Foothills Spotlight May/June 2010

HELPING YOU EXPERIENCE, EXPLORE, LEARN & LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS

{ No.

14 }

May/June 2010

In this issue

Women Spotlight on

~ in the ~ Foothills Details Inside...

Plus: Iron Woman

This Shelby Girl Rocks South Mountains Women Outdoors

www.foothillsspotlight.com

36 F o o t hills S p o t l i g h t J a n / F e b 2 0 1 0

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Financial Planning Income Tax Fee Only Investment Advice Registered Investment Advisor Certified Public Accountants Your Trusted Advisor 704.482.2001 | GRAGGANDGRAGG.COM

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Cleveland County’s First Choice in HealthCare

Every Patient, Every Day, Always

Cleveland County’s first digital mammography offers advanced screening and diagnostic mammograms. The system also features ImageChecker® technology that significantly enhances detection of abnormalities. Since early detection is key to surviving breast cancer, this is an important screening service for local women. For more information, call 980-487-3141.

Women & Children

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Whether you’re a daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a wife or all of the above, your family needs you. And staying healthy is the single best thing you can do for them. With pre- and post- delivery education classes, a certified lactation consultant on staff and skilled and caring nurses, Cleveland Regional Medical Center’s Women’s and Children’s Services Department offers mothers excellent care in a warm and comfortable environment. For more information, please call 980-487-3685.

C l e v e l a nd R e g io n al Me d ic al C ent er : 980-487-3000 K i ng s Mo u n tain H o s p ital: 980-487-5000 w w w.C le v e lan d C o u n ty H e althCar eSyst em . or g

Rehab Services Cleveland County HealthCare System provides a full range of rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Licensed therapists and other professionals assist in providing services to patients in the hospital and also on an outpatient basis. In addition, an experienced team of pediatric clinicians are available to evaluate and help in your child’s rehabilitation.

For more information, call 704-482-1191 or 980-487-5436.

Dr. Benson Timmons, MD, FACS Dr. Eric Emerson, MD Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery Surgical Center AAAA Certified

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SHELBY

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GASTONIA

649 N. New Hope Road Gastonia, NC 28054 Phone (704) 866-4005 Fax (704) 866-0450

LAKE WYLIE

1200 Village Harbor Drive Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Phone (704) 866-4005 Fax (704) 866-0450 www. foothillsspotlight. com

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contents

president Jeff Champion

May/June 2010

publisher Ebbie Champion editor Mark Alan Hudson creative director JD Ledford - 18 STONE DESIGN graphics Mike Bencivengo Wendy Cobb Nikki Cook JD Ledford Bridget Norton Peter Von Pfahl April Hoyle Shauf Jackie Sibley writers Rev. Crystal Champion Judy Gaultney Bryon Gragg Mark Alan Hudson Kimberly P. Johnson Bob Mori Wade Nichols Katherine Panther-Potemkin Gilda Pruitt April Hoyle Shauf Shelly Stout Paula Vess Skip Warrick Trey Warrick Lynn Zook sports director Sam Davis photographers Robin King The Victorian Rose Studio finance Jeff Weathers operations / sales Kim Davis sales staff Sam Davis Katherine Panther-Potemkin website design JD Ledford Matt Miller Foothills Spotlight is a publication of CHAMPION COMMUNICATIONS PO Box 1726 Shelby, NC 28150 704.466.3847 info@foothillsspotlight.com foothillsspotlight.com

www. fo o t hills s p o t l i g h t .c o m

42

50

76

{ features }

{ be sure to see }

25 spolight on women of the foothills

8 welcome

In this, our first annual tribute to extrodinary women, we meet eight women who combine creative fervor with a flair for business

42 one woman’s journey

Gerene Butterfield’s journey from illness to wellness and beyond

76 this shelby girl rocks

Willa Hamrick: How a “Shelby Girl” became WSOC’s Catherine Lane

82 community minded educator

A look at the VP of Isothermal Community College - Myra Johnson

Remarkable women in our community

be

gin

s o

n p

10 viewpoint

12 life coaching

54 south mountains women outdoors

Lucky to have a woman like her Live out loud: Be a “Wamptooter”

14 amazing mind

It’s all in your head

16 kid speak

Chores build character

18 in the yard

Warm weather gardening

50

50 iron woman

g.

Passionate in work and sport, Karma Edwards strives for a healthy lifestyle for herself and for those in her community

The call of adventure, the bond of friendship

59 flashback

A look back at Susan Bolt Briggs’ exploits

60 fab 5

Learn about five exceptional athletes from the Foothills

20 financial perspectives

Protect yourself

64 best of the foothills

Vote for you favorites

73 ladies of cleveland county’s past ON THE COVER

Makena Scarlett, contemplating her future. She is the daughter of Michelle & Kenny Palmer and Jason Scarlett.

- photo courtesy of Kids Shots Gastonia

A look back at the influential women of Cleveland County

79 calendar of events

See what’s happening in our area

86 reflections

Shame: a controlling emotion

54

MEMBERS OF: Cleveland Women’s Network

72 May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 7

{ welcome } Welcome to our May/June edition of Foothills Spotlight.

The first thing I want to share with you is the appreciation of everyone who works on the magazine for all the positive comments you have shared with us over the past couple of months. Everyone here is working hard to continue to make Foothills Spotlight the best magazine it can be.

...Relax and enjoy a beautiful spring day with these stories...

And as you can see, we are truly blessed with great people and places to share stories about with you.

That includes this edition where our stories highlight interesting and remarkable women in our communities. From business women to athletes, educators to artists and to those who bond together as friends and adventurers, we have covered just a small sampling of stories worthy of sharing with you…for this edition.

Want Foothills Spotlight Magazine delivered to your door? ~ $40.00 for a year subscription ~

So, relax, take a break and enjoy a beautiful spring day with these stories, along with our regular columns.

To subscribe go to

www.foothillsspotlight.com

Pura vida,

Mark Alan Hudson EDITOR

PS The phrase ‘Pura vida’ is Spanish and literally means ‘pure life.’ Its meaning, when used as it is here, is more encompassing; it is an encouragement to enjoy and embrace life to its fullest.

Food or Medicine?

You Don’t Have to Choose.

You should never be forced to choose between filling your prescriptions or paying for other necessities .

That’s why if you have Medicare and need the service of hospice, you can have peace of mind in knowing that prescriptions related to your hospice diagnosis, routine medical supplies, home medical equipment, oxygen therapy, and grief counseling are covered completely.

In addition, there are many other services covered by the Medicare hospice benefit, including: •

• •

around-the-clock nursing care in your home during a medical crisis; doctors who make house calls when your doctor can’t; and volunteers who can assist with errands and chores as well as provide companionship.

It’s never too soon to experience the service and support that Hospice Cleveland County has to offer. For answers to your Medicare hospice benefits questions, call Patti Ellis McMurry, Vice President of Access, or visit FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) on our Web site today.

704-487-4677

www.hospicecares.cc

Mark Your Calendars!

Straight Talk from Proven Professionals

Cleveland Women’s Network 1st Annual Fall Conference

“ Friday, Sept. 10th, 2010 11:00am-4:00pm Hallelujah Acres Conference Center Keynote Speaker: Katherine Panther-Potemkin

Solid As a Rock in Real Estate Gail Bell 704-472-4087

Make Plans To Attend!

For Information Contact The Cleveland County Chamber 704-487-8521

Celebrate with Owl’s Eye. - Engagement celebration.

- Bridal luncheon.

- Anniversary.

- Girls Night Out. - Birthday.

Now that sounds perfect!

George Blue 704-460-8101

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Barbara Moore 704-418-1919

Tasting Room Hours

Carol Schenck 704-692-8688

Thurs - Sat: 12 to 6 pm Sunday: 1 to 6 pm 1414 Metcalf Road

Shelby, NC 704-471-9196

For more information on events and hours visit

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 9

foothillsviewpoint WORDS JEFF CHAMPION

Lucky to have woman like her One of the reasons that I am not the Publisher or Editor of this magazine (other than not being qualified), is I don’t have to make the difficult decisions they sometimes have to make. Like determining who to include in this issue honoring women of the Foothills, there is no way for any list to be complete. I thought of doing a list of women not featured that deserved recognition but quickly realized how futile that effort would have been as well. So I decided to write about one woman that may address my concern of any omissions.

Her life’s accomplishments exemplified what I think is so wonderful about our community. Outside of her circle of friends and family, she was not widely known.

But the people she did know her were blessed. Her genuine love, kindness and generosity toward others were amazing.

Her social life centered primarily around her family and her church. Those of us fortunate enough to be in that circle experienced first-hand what genuine love and friendship can be like. Any good I have done toward others, I owe to her for she taught me the gift

of how you get more when you give.

She is no longer with us, but her legacy lives on as she instilled her principals in many others, including her four children.

I hope you are as lucky as I have been to have a woman like this in your life. And I hope you have the wisdom to acknowledge them. Happy Mother’s Day.

The expressed opinions do not necessarily represent the opinions of our advertisers. We welcome your comments and opinions. Send them to: Viewpoint, c/o Foothills Spotlight, PO Box 1726, Shelby NC 28151. Or viewpoint@foothillsspotlight.com

Leader in Christian Higher Education in the Southeast Comprehensive university granting Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees Nationally recognized academic achievement Competitive in NCAA Division I athletics Nationally accredited professional schools

www.gardner-webb.edu Boiling Springs, NC 28017

(800) 253-6472 10 F o o t hills S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 1 0

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www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 11

lifecoaching

{be well, healthy & happy}

WORDS KATHERINE PANTHER-POTEMKIN

Live Out Loud: Be a “Wamptooter” “WAMPTOOTER” IS A MADE-UP

...Feel comfortable in your own skin.

Embrace self-discovery...

Katherine Panther-Potemkin, Account Executive with Champion Communications and a business consultant, trainer and coach.

12 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

word my grandmother liked to use. Anytime I displayed independence or spoke my mind, my grandmother would laugh and say, “You’re a Wamptooter!”

She defined the word as a woman who recognized and honored herself, comfortable in her own skin and stepping into her potential. She was using it long before the women’s movement of the 1970s. As a “Wamptooter” herself, she was strong, independent and not afraid of who she was. She actually knew, liked and took care of herself, living every day fully and passionately.

She showed me my own “Wamptooter” potential by starting me on a life-long exciting journey of selfdiscovery and self-actualization. I think many women from previous generations waited for someone else’s images and expectations to be projected onto them, living for and through others without ever considering who they were.

How many women do that today? In spite of the women’s movement, we often let the world define us.

We forget our dreams, or the things we want to do, or have, or be. Sometimes we even forget who we are at a deep soul level for brief or long periods of time, or forever, as we serve others, do what we “should” do, look the way we’re “supposed” to look.

When driven by others’ expectations, we miss life.

We forget to honor, love and care for ourselves. We fail to allow ourselves “me time”, using the busyness excuse. Yet it seems to me the real reason we don’t take “me time” is because we’re stuck in the “should’s” or “supposed to’s” of life. Deep down, maybe we don’t feel that we deserve “me time.”

Be honest – Do you often say “yes” to others’ expectations when you really could say “no”? Do you feel compelled to take care of everything? Even I, with my “Wamptooter” roots, struggle with this!

Truthfully, if we don’t take “me time” to relax and care for ourselves, to discover and experience our passions, then we’re short-changing ourselves and those we care about.

“Me time” is especially important for women in today’s fast-paced world. Without a conscious effort to schedule “me time”, we lose sight of the many wonderful aspects of ourselves and our dreams. My grandmother owned two businesses and raised a

family; yet she made sure she took “me time.”

Some of my fondest memories involve my grandmother and her “Wamptooter” friends. They were a diverse group of women – some carrying out traditional women’s roles and others quite ahead of their time, some outspoken and others timid, some financially secure and others struggling. Even physically they were diverse – one wore slacks, one wore spike heels and furs, one smoked cigarettes from a long black holder, one danced with abandon, one spoke with a Cajun accent, another with a southern drawl and another with a northern tone… the differences were endless. Yet their common bond was self-discovery and self-truth.

Most impressive was what they did for each other.

They shared, confronted, laughed, comforted, taught and learned. They supported one another as they discovered diverse aspects of themselves, striving to embrace and express their individual uniqueness and reach their true potential.In my opinion they followed the words of the 19th century French writer, Emile Zola, who said, “If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.”

These “Wamptooters” lived out loud every time they made a conscious choice, lived true to themselves or followed their passions. I believe they found their greatness and became one another’s heroines. They were happy even when things were tough. They loved and honored themselves and were comfortable with who they were and who they were becoming. They lived life to the fullest and by doing so they gave me the life-altering message that I can always be a “Wamptooter” if I embrace and express who I am.

I’m passing that message on to you. Judy Garland said, “Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else.”

That’s what a “Wamptooter” does. You’re shaped by your choices, so choose to be the woman you were born to be. Feel comfortable in your skin. Embrace self-discovery. Find your own “Wamptooter” friends with whom to explore, discover and express. Repeat this affirmation daily: I am worthy, valuable, beautiful, extraordinary and capable. I believe in and love myself. Make it your truth.

Live out loud. Step fully into your potential.

Be a “Wamptooter.”

www. foothillsspotlight. com

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• Daily Lunch & Dinner Combos • Soup & Sandwich Combos • Tuesday Buy 1, Get 1 Free Pizza 5-10pm $2.00 Draft • Wednesday All You Can Eat Crab Legs $15.95 per person • Thursday All American with Gourmet Burgers & $2.50 Draft • Saturday 1/2 Price Wine Bottles

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233 South Lafayette Street • Shelby To Go Orders: 704-487-0016 Mon. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm Fri. - Sat. 11am - 11pm • Sun. 11am - 9pm

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 13

theamazingmind

{dream maker}

WORDS LYNN ZOOK

It’s All In Your Head WHAT

...I believe all of us can live in our dreams at any age...

Lynn lives in Waxhaw, is married to Jill and has two daughters.

14 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

MAKES

THE

BIGGEST

difference in people becoming successful and accomplishing their dreams? Is it biology or environment? Is it whom you come from or where you come from? I say it is all in your head. That’s why I believe all of us can live our dreams, at any age, if we just use our Amazing Minds.

Let me tell you a story about a girl who only had a dream. Born in Mississippi to unmarried parents, her conception was due to a single sexual encounter that her two teen-age parents had; they quickly broke up not long after. Her mother was a housemaid, and her father was first a coal miner and later a barber before becoming a city councilman.

After her birth, she traveled north with her mother and spent her first six years living in rural poverty with her grandmother. She was so poor that as a child she often wore dresses made of potato sacks, which often resulted in local children making fun of. At age 6, she moved to an inner-city neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wis. with her mother, who was less supportive and encouraging than her grandmother had been, due in large part to the long hours she worked as a maid.

As a young girl, she was molested by her cousin, her uncle, and a family friend, starting when she was just 9 years old. At 13, after suffering years of abuse, she ran away from home. When she was 14, she became pregnant, but her son died shortly after birth. Also, that same year, her frustrated mother sent her to live with her father.

Most kids given this plight in life would have given up or been given up on. Luckily, she had one person in her life that gave her the support that would change her and our world, her father.

While strict, he was always encouraging and made her education a priority. She became an honors student, was voted Most Popular Girl, joined her high school speech team, and placed second in the nation in dramatic interpretation. She won an oratory contest, which secured her a full scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she studied communication.

Her first job as a teen-ager was working at a local grocery store. As a child she played games interviewing her corncob doll and the crows on the fence

of her family’s property. She later acknowledged her grandmother’s influence, saying it was her grandmother who had encouraged her to speak in public and “gave me a positive sense of myself.”

Born in rural poverty, then raised by a mother on welfare in a poor urban neighborhood, she became a millionaire at age 32. At age 41 her wealth reached another milestone when, with a net worth of $340 million, she replaced Bill Cosby as the only black American on the Forbes 400.

With a 2000 net worth of $800 million, she is believed to be the richest black American of the 20th century. Forbes’ international rich list has named her as the world’s only black billionaire in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and as the first black woman billionaire in world history. According to Forbes, as of September 2009, she is worth over $2.3 billion and has overtaken former eBay CEO Meg Whitman as the richest self-made woman in America.

Not only wealthy, she is influential as well. She was called “arguably the world’s most powerful woman”

by CNN and Time.com, “arguably the most influential woman in the world” by the Spectator, and “one of the most influential people” of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 by Time. She is the only person in the world to have made all seven lists.

At the end of the 20th century, Life listed her as both the most influential woman and the most influential black person of her generation, and in a cover story profile, the magazine called her “America’s most powerful woman.” You have probably guessed by now, this rags-(potato sacks) to-riches story is that of Oprah Winfrey!

Oprah didn’t have the smartest parents, she didn’t have money, she didn’t have anything but a dream while growing up. With very little support she became one of the wealthiest, most influential and most respected persons of our generation. As you remember Oprah’s story, look at your own situation in life. What are you waiting for? Focus on your dream and find a dream supporter to help you.

Just like Oprah, you can achieve anything you want, because it is all in your head. It is your Amazing Mind and you are in control!

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 15

kidspeak

{happy journeys}

WORDS KIMBERLY P. JOHNSON

It’s All About the Skills IN THIS DAY AND AGE WHEN

...to stay connected to our families...we must be willing to communicate...

Kimberly is an accomplished children’s book author, speaker, motivator and educator. She has written 12 children books and has even been an invited guest to the White House to read her works at the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

View more of Kimberly’s work visit

SimplyCreativeWorks.com

16 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

every second counts, it is sad to think that we don’t take advantage of precious time together. It is important to know that if you are presented with the opportunity to make things right in relationshipsnow is the time to do it! You may be thinking, “Well it wasn’t my fault, why should I apologize?” That is a fair question and the answer may seem too simple. The answer is, because it’s the right thing to do.

As adults, we have the obligation to teach our children how to handle conflict, and I believe we can give them some lessons that will help them gain valuable skills. When youth learn positive ways to handle conflict, they begin realizing that success is possible and that relationships are important. Bad attitudes can destroy everything.

This isn’t to say that kids won’t test the waters to see what they can get away with or that children are the perfect little angels that we sometimes want them to be, but it is important that they still learn appropriate ways to handle situations.

Remember, the parent voice is a powerful voice.

When you talk to your children, at times they may appear not to be listening, but they do hear what you say. In addition, it is important to make sure that they understand what you say. Poor communication can cause a disconnection between people. If we want to stay connected to our families and others around us, we must be willing to communicate effectively and let some things roll off our backs. In other words, if we find ourselves getting mad or upset every time something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something that upsets us, we are definitely not using our problem-solving skills effectively. We have to realize that we all have different personalities and we are not going to always think alike or have the same visions on how to get the job done. Nevertheless, we should be tolerant of others and their ideas.

When we teach our children this, they learn to be accepting of the ideas and beliefs of others without getting mad about it. In turn, they begin building their communication skills and learning to figure

out effective ways to deal with life’s circumstances. There are certain things that we can do that will help children learn how to resolve problems and communicate better.

• Avoid needless conflicts: Teach your children to “pick their battles.” If we didn’t learn this problem-solving technique, we’d all probably find ourselves walking around mad most of the time. Learn to figure out what is important and what is something that we can just let go. We cannot be martyrs for every cause.

Some things are worth the long-term support and some things are better left alone. Teach your children how to determine the difference.

• Self-talk: Learn to talk yourself out of confrontation. Sometimes just reminding yourself that “it is OK- no big deal” will allow you to walk away from a situation that may prove volatile.

• Pause before you talk: When speaking to others take a second to take a breath. This one second can prevent you from saying something that you can’t take back. It is so easy to just start talking without thinking.

However, if you take a second to process your thoughts, you may save hurt feelings.

• Avoid trouble spots: If you know that going to a particular place is going to create a conflict, stay away! If you know that a particular person is going to upset you, stay away from that person. Sometimes we place ourselves in the way of conflict. Teach your children to choose their circles wisely. This is not to say that even friends won’t have conflicts, but it is important to realize that we can dictate a lot of our own stressful moments. Steer clear.

Providing your children with ongoing conflict resolution skills can prepare them for challenging moments. Most of all, allowing them to see you handle conflict in a positive way will encourage their decisions. Remember, it’s the right thing to do.

Happy Journeys. . . .

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Higher Learning Child Care Academy is a year-round program that offers all-day care for children ages birth to 12 years. Our daily activities and program consists of a flexible schedule that has been created to provide diversity and challenges for children in all age groups. Our activities include school readiness skills, arts and crafts, games, intro to music, Spanish, Karate/ self-defense, outdoor play, science and multi-cultural activities.

We provide experiences that enrich and enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative development. Our highly supportive staff is nurturing, warm and responsive to each child’s individual need.

1260 Airport Rd., Shelby, NC 104 S Carpenter St., Kings Mountain, NC 704-259-6044 409 Polkville Rd (Hwy 226 N)Shelby, NC (on the campus of Christ For the Nations Church)

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704-484-9001 May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 17

intheyard

{happy gardening}

WORDS SKIP & TREY WARRICK

Warm Weather Gardening SPRING IS UPON US AND summer is just around the corner! The spring season is a very busy time in the garden. Dogwoods are blooming, bulbs and perennials are emerging from the ground, and trees are leafing out. Everywhere you look the garden is coming alive, but there is still work to be done.

...The dormant season is a wonderful time to prepare your lawn or garden...

The father/son team of Skip and Trey Warrick are the second and third generations of Warricks operating Shelby Nursery and Scottree.

For more information, call 704-471-1000 or email them at Scottree@msn.com

18 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

TransplanTing After a dreary, cold winter, everyone is anticipating the first sign of warm weather to get out in their neglected gardens. We typically suggest April 15th as a safe date to avoid cold damage from late frost. If there is a threat of cold temperatures, covering plants with a light sheet or section of burlap is an easy step to prevent damage. Avoid plastic as a protective barrier as it raps water vapor, which can then freeze.

This is a good time to begin planting summer annuals and perennials. With annuals, be sure to amend the soil with either organic matter or a bagged soil mixture. This will improve drainage and provide nutrients. Annuals require frequent watering to flourish and some need to be deadheaded. Deadheading is the process of removing blooms once they have died to promote continual flowering. It is important to remember that if you are planting trees and shrubs this time of year they will require more care due to warming temperatures and less rainfall.

WaTEr COnsErVaTiOn In the past few years, water has become a precious resource and has required strict management by local and state governments. Our gardens require water to survive so it is important to take steps to conserve water whenever possible. Here are a few tips to conserve water in your lawn and garden this year: • Choose native or drought-tolerant plants; • Add a rain sensor to your irrigation system and check for overspray • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses heads for shrub beds; • Irrigate early in the morning to avoid evaporation; • Collect rain water using rain barrels; and • Apply mulch to increase moisture retention.

MUlCHing Applying mulch to shrub beds and trees can really spruce up your property, but what some people do not realize is that mulch can also be very beneficial to plants. For best results, apply two-three inches of mulch. Mulch increases moisture retention in the soil and keeps the root zone cooler, creating a better environment for the plant. Mulch also breaks down slowly to provide organic matter to the surrounding soil.

If applied improperly, mulch can sometimes cause more harm than good. If over-applied, it creates an effect known as “volcano mulching.” It is important to keep mulch away from the trunks of trees and shrubs as this can cause disease and pest problems and limit the amount of air to the roots. Sometimes it might be necessary to remove old mulch before reapplying new mulch. Using quality mulch is also important. We do not recommend using wood chips as mulch as it can introduce pests and disease to your lawn. Wood chips also decompose very rapidly which takes nitrogen from the soil and away from the plants. laWn With warmer weather approaching, our lawns will begin to green up and require more attention. The lawn grasses of choice in our area are fescues. There are many hybrid fescues available that are developed for their disease and drought tolerance. Most grass seed available on the market contains several hybrid fescues, as well as other shade-tolerant grasses such as blue grass. These fescues are cool season grasses and tend to become dormant as summer temperatures climb. To maintain a nice stand of grass during warmer weather, cool season grasses should be mowed at a height of four inches. By keeping cool season grasses high, they require less water.

Also, beginning grub treatments early will act as a preventive measure, requiring lower doses and making less environmental impact. The warmer temperatures can bring fungus and disease to our lawns. Begin to look for problems in June when night temperatures climb into the 70’s. Highfertility lawns are more susceptible to disease.

Get into your garden and embrace the warmer weather! Just remember- there is still work to be done in your lawn and garden for it to continue to thrive.

Utilize these tips for and you can enjoy a healthy lawn and garden all season!

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Experience the Quality!

It’s time to UPGRADE TO CERAMIC! Mom can no longer live on her own.

Thanks to Bayada Nurses, she can stay in the home she loves.

Homemaker, Companion, and Live-in Services Bayada Nurses offers a variety of services that can help your loved ones stay in the home they love.

• Rise and Shine: Bayada’s pleasant staff helps with getting out of bed, dressing, preparing breakfast, and medication reminders.

• Evening Care Services: In the evening, Bayada is there to help with dinner, medication reminders, and preparation for bed.

• Out on the Town: The loss of the ability to drive can lead to a loss of independence. Bayada Nurses companions can help with transportation to appointments, family outings, and social occasions.

• Live-in Companions: Bayada Nurses offers compassionate and reliable around-the-clock companions.

• Bayada Buddies: Bayada Buddies lend a hand with household chores and meal preparation, assist with hygiene, and promote participation in hobbies and activities.

• Bayada Respite Care: Bayada’s caring staff is available to give primary caregivers the break they deserve. With Bayada’s help, caregivers can take care of themselves while knowing that their loved ones are in capable hands.

Call 704-669-4000 to learn more about homemaker, companion, and live-in services.

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It’s time to UPGRADE TO CERAMIC! Mom can no longer

financialperspectives

{beyond traditional}

WORDS BRYON GRAGG

Protect Yourself IN 1989 THE REPLACEMENTS HAD

...Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today...

Bryon Gragg, CPA/PFS, is a partner with Gragg&Gragg, LLP, a firm that goes beyond the traditional to assist you in getting your financial house in order and keeping it that way forever.

20 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

their only commercial hit song with “I’ll Be You.” In this day and age, that phrase has taken on a more sinister tone. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today. The 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report stated there were 11.1 million adult identity fraud victims in 2009. While you may not be able to completely prevent your identity from being stolen, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming an easy victim.

One important step is to protect your Social Security number. Never carry your Social Security card with you unless you are going to need it. Don’t have it printed on your checks or write it on the check at the request of the clerk. Don’t give your Social Security number over the phone unless you personally make the call to an organization you trust.

Make sure you keep the receipts from your credit card as they may contain your card number.

It is always a good idea to keep your receipts and compare them against your monthly statement.

When shopping, keep the receipts with you; if you leave them in a bag and the bag is stolen, your card number may be with it. Instead of just throwing out financial records such as credit card receipts, statements and even offers for credit, shred them. The best method is to use a shredder, but ripping the statements into very small pieces can be effective if done with care. With the cost of a personal shredder less than the cost of a family night at the movies, it is an investment that can help you sleep securely.

Children are warned not to talk to strangers. This important advice also applies to computer e-mail usage. If you receive an e-mail from someone you don’t know, especially if it has attached files or hyperlinks in the message, don’t open it. Clicking on the link or opening the attachment can expose you to viruses or spyware that can record your keystrokes. Don’t access any Web sites directly from the e-mail; instead use your stored bookmark or type the address directly into your browser.

A few years ago I received an e-mail stating there was a problem with my bank account and I should click the link to address the problem. The only issue was that I never had an account with that bank. Our office sometimes receives calls from clients regarding an e-mail claiming to be from the IRS stating a refund is due and they need personal information to send it. The amount is usually an odd number that isn’t too large and seems rather ordinary. This is a common scam that surfaces throughout the year. Generally the IRS doesn’t send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers. In addition, the IRS doesn’t discuss tax account information or use e-mails to solicit sensitive financial and personal information.

It is a good idea to periodically review your credit report. You want to make sure the information is accurate and be on the lookout for any activity that may be fraudulent. You can get your credit report free once a year. Contact the Annual Credit Report Request Service online at www.annualcreditreport. com or call (877) 322-8228. You may also request the report in writing; see the Web site for details.

These are only a few of the steps you can take to protect your identity. It is hoped by following these steps, someone else won’t be you.

www. foothillsspotlight. com

+RQHVW\ ,QWHJULW\ &RPPLWPHQW

Bootstrap Computer Services just passed the 3 year mark in April. We consider ourselves to be a professional on-site service that believes in getting the job done right quickly and at a fair price.

SPYWARE: There seems to be an unending amount of spyware waiting to infect your computer and all you have to do is have access to the internet to be infected.

One of the most common questions I get asked is; “How did I get infected when I have an anti-virus/spyware program that is up to date?” The best answer I have found comes from the Microsoft article at this web address; www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rougue.aspx.

Please check out www.bootstrapcomputer.com to see what services we offer or to ask a question.

COMPUTER TRIVIA: What is Bootstrap?

In computers, to bootstrap or to boot is to load a program into a computer using a much smaller initial program to load in the desired program which is usually an operating system.

&DOO 8V 7RGD\ $W 704-477-5489 www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 21

therapyRx WORDS DON MILLER

Spinal Decompression Therapy marketing or billing practices as he had advised. For therapist for over 23 years and for about the last us, the procedure remains a traction procedure.

Spinal decompression/traction can be beneficial five years, I’ve been hearing a lot about spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression is for certain conditions causing neck or lower back sometimes called vertebral axial decompression, or pain, especially if there are radicular symptoms VAX-D. While the popularity of this intervention has (pain radiating from the spine into the arm or leg). dramatically increased over the past several years, Nonetheless, be wary of providers making promises treatments designed to unload or decompress the guaranteeing results or asking you to pay a flat fee spine have actually been in existence for some time. in advance for a series of spinal decompression Many patients and some healthcare treatment sessions.

While it is necessary to be well trained professionals have asked me questions about spinal decompression. One physician, with in the proper administration of traction or whom I often work, recently called me to discuss decompressive interventions, it is much more spinal decompression therapy. He concluded our important to understand the underlying pathology conversation by stating, “It sounds just like traction necessitating the treatments. Be sure to ask your chiropractor or therapist about other types to me!”

Proponents of spinal decompression therapy of interventions such as exercise and hands-on state that it is different than traction because it uses therapy (joint mobilization, joint manipulation or a computerized state-of-the-art table to administer massage etc.) as these procedures are frequently specific times and weights as well as a procedure beneficial to recovery. Education about your known as ramping to slowly introduce the traction condition, including self-care, should also be force to the spine. However, this is not a new provided as it is essential for long term results.

The best way to ensure that you receive the care technique. Physical therapists and other healthcare you need is to become an educated consumer! professionals have used these procedures for Ask questions and get answers regarding any years. It is true that the equipment used to administer the decompressive force or traction healthcare services you are considering. has improved, as has our understanding of the pathologies that may benefit from this intervention.

However, repackaging and marketing spinal traction as spinal decompression does not change the treatment being administered to the patient.

Two years ago, when I purchased a new table and traction unit for CPTA’s Shelby facility, the sales representative enthusiastically outlined a plan to generate more revenue by marketing our new piece of equipment as spinal decompression therapy.

When I told him that VAX-D did not seem to be a new technique and appeared to be spinal traction, he simply continued to explain the many financial benefits of his plan. We did not feel comfortable with his suggestions and thus, we did not change our

I HAVE BEEN A PRACTICING physical

...beneficial for certain conditions causing neck or lower back pain...

Dr. Don Miller, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, Owner, Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates & Prescription Fitness, has clinics in Shelby, Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs, NC. He has practiced as a Physical Therapist and a Nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist for over 21 years.

CSCS,

22 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW SUFFERING? WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

DID YOU KNOW? • In the past year the use of Ecstasy has increased 67%; and teen marijuana use spiked 20%.

Kings Mountain Hospice House Grand Opening!

Please join us for a celebration and tour of our new facility.

Sunday, June 27, 2010 2:00pm - 4:00pm

321 Kings Mountain Boulevard, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 704-487-4677 • www.hospicecares.cc

• Every day, 2,500 teenagers use a prescription drug to get high for the first time.

DOT and Non-DOT testing Urine Hair Alcohol Saliva Paternity Available for On-Site Collections

NEW LOCATION:

941 Wyke Rd. Suite B, Shelby, NC 28150 704-481-0433 email: sherry@drugforcescreening.com CERTIFIED DOT COLLECTION SITE

www.drugforcescreening.com

• Treatment in less than an hour. • Can be performed in the doctor’s office.

• Up to 98% success rate. • Immediate relief of symptoms.

• Return to normal activity immediately – with little or no pain.

• No general anesthesia or hospitalization. • Typically is covered by insurance.

Shelby Surgical Associates P.A. www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

The VenaCure EVLT system uses targeted laser energy to seal the vein shut and help you look and feel better fast.

Before

After

200 W. Grover Street, Shelby, NC • www.ShelbySurgical.com

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 23

Visit Shelby’s Only Vineyard.

10% off One-day Shopping with this ad

Owl’s Eye 704-482-5449

Vineyard & Winery

12 East Warren St. Shelby, NC

Enjoy a wine tasting in our tasting room or attend one of our many events on the patio that overlook the South Mountains!

Tasting Room Hours Thurs - Sat: 12 to 6pm Sunday: 1 to 6pm

For more information on events and hours visit OwlseyeVineyard.com

1414 Metcalf Road

Shelby, NC 704-471-9196

8

Women

SPOTLIGHT ON

of the foothills

This issue of Foothills Spotlight Magazine focuses on women. Young women, mature women, artistic women, accomplished women, ambitious women, hardworking women, creative women – all very different and yet all inspiring, each in her own unique way. Some of these ladies were born and raised right here in

north carolina, while others came from far away. But all have made their homes in the foothills of the Great North State, and all have contributed to the vibrancy and vitality that makes our area such a great place to live. So settle in and meet just a few of the fascinating women of the foothills!

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 25

26 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

WORDS APRIL HOYLE SHAUF

HOLLY BROCK | Holly’s Flowers |

Florist | Shelby, NC

1

Everything wasn’t always coming up roses for Holly Brock. Today, she’s the owner of Holly’s Flowers, a thriving business that’s become a landmark in Uptown Shelby. But things weren’t always so easy.

Not long after she moved with her new husband Ron to his native Cleveland County in 1974, the couple purchased the property on East Marion Street that was once Cecil Gilliatt’s Greenhouses. “I desperately wanted to go to floral design school,” recalls Holly, but we just couldn’t afford it.”

Instead, the pair had to learn on the job. Holly frequented the library and devoured books on floral design. And Mr. Gilliatt took the young couple under his wing. “Mr. Gilliatt was kind enough to share his talents with me,” Holly recalls.

“He showed me a lot of old design techniques. He made a real impact on both of our lives.”

In 1988, Holly and Ron made a new business decision – they decided to move the business to Uptown Shelby. The early years in the uptown location brought more hard work for Holly. “I worked by myself for about seven years before I hired another full-time worker,” she recalls. “Not being from here, I had to work harder to get folks to come into the store and maybe that’s why I tried to be a little different – a little funky – to offer something that wasn’t here before.”

And customers began to appreciate Holly’s unique creations.

“I like unusual materials,” she says. “I love to look at design work from other countries – I love mosses and grasses. I love the Asian and Chinese style of design. I love very natural materials.”

Another important part of Holly’s business is her commitment to her customers. “The bottom line is we want to please the customer,” she states emphatically. “We want the customer to come back after the party and say, ‘That was exactly what I wanted!’”

Today Holly employs four other full-time workers and stays busy year round. She now feels like a true member of the community. In fact, even after her husband passed away several years ago, his Shelby High School classmates continued including Holly in their reunions and get-togethers.

“They’ve become good friends and good customers – they’ve been very supportive,” she says. “And that’s really cool because it definitely makes me feel like a part of the community.”

“I may not have been born here, but I’m from here now.”

Contact Holly: 704.487.1220 | www.hollysflowers.com

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

Jan/Feb 2010 Foothills Spotlight 27

Linda Hopper | Business Education Alliance |

Educator | Shelby, NC

WORDS PAULA B. VESS

2

Linda Hopper, Ph.D., has loved school from her very first day of kindergarten.

“I came home from school that first day and told my mother that I wanted to be a teacher,” she says with a broad smile.

When other children were anxiously watching the weather hoping for a snow day, Linda was looking for clear skies. “I cried when we had snow days. I loved school that much.” From that first day of school, she never looked back. Linda graduated from Appalachian State University (ASU) with a degree in elementary education.

Later, she received her master’s in administration and earned a doctorate in educational leadership.

Linda continues to read about other leaders’ success and learn from them.

Her career has progressed from elementary grade teacher to assistant principal to principal, and finally into the Cleveland County School System’s administrative offices. Today, she

28 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

is the Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement and Administrative Services. She especially likes the school improvement part of her title.

She constantly looks for new ideas and ways to improve students’ experiences in school.

One part of her job is recruiting mentors to work with students. Linda, who was born and raised in Shelby, knows the value of mentors in this community. “I had so many mentors throughout my life, people who took the time to talk with me and help me,” she says, “Now I want to be in a position to give back to others.”

One way she is working to do this is through the Business Education Alliance (BEA) of which she is a founding member. The BEA brings together local businesses and educators. Working together to understand needs and requirements, they strive to improve educational outcomes.

In addition to BEA, Linda serves as the

Education Division Chair for the Cleveland County Chamber and is involved with many other programs and initiatives including Communities in Schools, Sophisticated Young Ladies, Distinguished Young Gentlemen and Close the Gap, now in its 12th year. “We still have work to do, but we can do it. I’ll stay on there until the gap is closed.”

Although she no longer cries when there is a snow day, Linda still loves going to school.

Her lifelong love of learning and her love for her community continue to benefit us all. “I am who I am and I do what I do because of Christ in my life, my family and my community.”

Contact Linda: llhopper@clevelandcountyschools.org

Business Education Alliance www.clevelandcountyschools.org www. foothillsspotlight. com

WORDS MARK ALAN HUDSON

Laurie Mancuso | Bellus Tu Spa | Massage Theraphy |

Kings Mountain, NC

3

Laurie Mancuso’s priorities in life are clear: God first, family second and career last.

Meeting her, you will know with certainty this is the case.

Mancuso, her husband and two young sons arrived in Kings Mountain from Florida in 1997. She was a nurse and her husband was in the computer field. Due to a weak local economy, his work was lean. One night, Mancuso awoke with the answer. God had told her that her husband’s job was in Charlotte.

The family had never been there but they checked his company and sure enough, there was an opening. Within two weeks, they were on their way.

Next up was finding a home within an easy commute. One day, after fruitless searching, Laurie again heard the voice.

She now knew she needed to look for an area with ‘King’ in the name.

Her family was not surprised then when a real estate listing in Kings Mountain popped up. They were surprised though when the house was uncannily similar to the plans she and her husband had sketched for their “dream home” years ago. Life was good.

Divine intervention may seem an unlikely reason for these events to some but not for Mancuso and her family. Her faith is strong and her life has been full of such messages. She was prepared, then, when she received another one.

“I woke up one morning with the word ‘aesthetics’ in my mind. I didn’t even know what that meant for sure,” she says. She soon found out. She left nursing and worked for Mary Kay cosmetics, doing very well. But she knew there was something more.

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

Soon, she entered Cleveland Community College’s cosmetology program. Soon, she received yet another message…leading her to start her own spa business She named it “Bellus Tu Day Spa.” Bellus Tu is Latin for “beautiful you.”

Since then, Mancuso has expanded her downtown Kings Mountain business three times, despite a troubling economy. Her theory is that people need to be pampered, especially when times are tough.

Her business offers a wide variety of personal services from facials to microderm abrasion to several types of massage therapy.

Looking back on the messages she has received and how she reacted, she has no regrets about her move here.

“I love everything about living here in Kings Mountain and Cleveland County,” she says. “The pace of life is good, the people are wonderful and it is great seeing what our town and county are becoming by breaking the belief barrier on what can be done.”Listening to her, it becomes difficult to determine who has received the true gift in her journey here. I suspect I know what Mancuso would say but I’m not so sure she’d be correct.

Contact Lauire: Bellus Tu Day Spa is located at 116 S. Railroad Avenue near the Joy Theatre in Kings Mountain.

Open by appointment from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday.

704.734.1133 | www.bellustuspa.com

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 29

WORDS BOB MORI

Shannon Kennedy | Cleveland Community College | Executive Vice President of Instruction & Student Development | Shelby, NC

4

Lots of people multitask these days, but it takes a special person to handle it well. Shannon Kennedy is one of those good jugglers, who keeps the balls in the air as a wife and mom and by balancing a demanding career, studying for a terminal degree, raising three sons and taking care of household pets all at the same time.

Shannon, a Baltimore native, met up with high school sweetheart/husband, Larry, already a Gardner-Webb University student, when she moved to the Shelby area in 1993. In 1994, Shannon tackled her first job right after graduating from Millersville University in Pennsylvania with a degree in communications and broadcasting when she began anchoring and reporting part-time for Cleveland Headline News in Shelby. “The blizzard of ’93 highly encouraged me to move south,” Shannon remembers, “and Headline News was the best of the job offers I had that would help launch me into a broadcasting career.”

She had another part time job at the time as well, serving as the marketing and promotions coordinator with the Uptown Shelby Association. “In the TV news business you meet so many people, and working with Uptown Shelby further expanded my local recognition and contacts,” she explains.

In 1996, Shannon took the role of public relations assistant at Gardner-Webb University, later becoming its development officer for foundation grants and corporate giving. While working, she still found time to earn her master’s degree in English education while Larry completed an MBA program.

The degree paid off for Shannon in 2000 when she was offered and accepted the position of director of public information and grant development at Cleveland Community College. She thrived in her role and was promoted first to associate dean, then dean, and, in 2008, became executive vice president

of instruction and student development. In her current position, Shannon works with academic programs, student services and continuing education, along with marketing and planning functions.

With all she has going on in her life, does she ever feel overwhelmed? “Well, it certainly is a challenge,” she admits. “I couldn’t have done it and continue to do it without my husband’s help and support. It really helps that we work as a team.” With sports-active sons -- Jake, 16, Nate, 12, and Frank, 7 -Shannon hustles between soccer, wrestling, baseball and cross-country matches. “The boys’ activities have become my hobby,” she laughs, “but I have found some time in the past to play tennis and now read for fun with my book club.”

Shannon attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelby with her sons and husband Larry, who serves as the human resources manager for Kings Mountain Hospital. Among her achievements is receiving the 2002 “Distinguished Rotarian Award” from the Boiling Springs Rotary where she was past president; she is now a member of Shelby Rotary. Shannon has also served as past president of Children’s Homes of Cleveland County. She is currently 2010 board chair of the Cleveland County Chamber as well as serving on the boards of the United Way and Destination Cleveland County.

In looking back over her career, Shannon says thoughtfully, “I have been very fortunate to have taken the right opportunities and not taken others and have had several folks who have been very encouraging and helped me learn a lot about leadership. I am very content with life,” she further reflects, “but would like to travel and spend more time with my husband.”

With everything she has on her plate, Shannon may have to get even better at juggling to satisfy those wishes!

www. foothillsspotlight. com

WORDS GILDA PRUITT

Barbara Minder | Higher Learning Child Care | Owner/Educator | Shelby, NC

5

Barbara Minder wants her children to be exposed to what was given to her— symphonies, museums, enrichment experiences. Her mission is to provide a warm, nurturing environment to all she serves and to take education to a higher level.

Barbara is the energetic and enthusiastic owner of Higher Learning Childcare Academy, Inc., located at 1260 Airport Road, Shelby, N.C. This academy welcomes children from birth to 12 years of age.

“Exposure is key—we seek out community helpers—we look them in the eye and engage them. Police are friends, not enemies. The children are learning about a bigger world. By the time a child is 5 years old, his brain is developed.

Preschool forms and shapes the child. I make sure that I have the right person in place to nurture that development. It is our goal to change our city, make a difference in our country and impact our world,” says Barbara.

“What a joy it is to walk into a classroom of 2 year olds and say, ‘Good morning’ and the children reply ‘Buenos dias.’ These children may never www. fo o t h i see l l s s the p o tworld, l i g h t .cbut o mit is my job and my staff’s

job to bring the world to them,” states Barbara.

Barbara attended Western Carolina University planning on teaching, but once she got there, counselors steered her to manufacturing and engineering/industrial distribution. Her primary coursework was in industrial distribution with a minor in business. After receiving her degree, she had various offers in industry but that was not her “heart’s cry.”

She came back to her home in Shelby and accepted a substitute teacher’s position at Kings Mountain Middle School. It was there that she realized middle school students had already formed opinions about the world and she couldn’t reach them. She didn’t want to be ineffective in her teaching.

After marrying Michael Minder, she started keeping two neighborhood children in her home and found she greatly enjoyed this type of experience. When she became pregnant and realized that she didn’t want to leave her child, she took the necessary steps to obtain a license in order to keep children in her home.

Her next step was to acquire and renovate a building on Lafayette Street in Shelby where she

was able to care for 45 children. The current center on Airport Road is “home away from home” to 120 children and the center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Barbara opened another center in Kings Mountain in April 2010 at 104 S. Carpenter Street. She is also collaborating with a church, Christ for the Nations, and is opening an afterschool program on their campus called Higher Learning, Christ for the Nations.

Barbara credits her parents, Elizabeth and Leonard Borders of Shelby with telling her, “Yes, you can, there is more that you can do” and instilling in her a drive to do good work.

When Barbara is asked about her success, she replies that she doesn’t see herself as successful, but rather productive. That goes back to her Christian background, and those values are stressed in her academy.

Contact Barbara or Learn more about Higher Learning Childcare Academy, Inc: 704.484.9001

www.higherlearningchildcare.com May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 3

WORDS PAULA B. VESS

JANET BERRY | Frame Masters Gallery & Gifts | Owner | Shelby, NC

6

There is a saying that if you “love the work you do, you will never work a day in your life.” That saying is personified in Janet Berry, owner of Frame Masters Gallery and Gifts in uptown Shelby. When Janet graduated cum laude from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in business and accounting, she knew she wanted to own a business.

She combined her knowledge of business with a love for art, and her passion, Frame Masters Gallery, was born. After 30 years, when she talks about her shop, there’s still a warm smile on her face and a bright twinkle in her eye.

“This is not an 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. job, but every day is wonderful. Every day is a new adventure,” she says. At the end of the day, when everyone else is preparing to leave, Janet is still going strong. “They are all ready to go home, but there are still things I want to do.”

Janet worked hard to create a successful business, but knows she did not achieve success alone. She credits husband John who also works in the shop, and valued employees who have worked with her more than 10 years. “Without them and my customers it probably would not have lasted,” she says.

Knowing that the support of her community has been important to her success, Janet believes in giving back. Over the years she has served on the board of

32 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

directors for Communities in Schools, the Girls’ Club, The Kidney Foundation and many more. In addition, Frame Masters often assists local organizations and churches with fundraisers and projects.

As a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) and a Certified Professional Framer, Janet has won awards and is occasionally called upon to teach classes and judge the work of other framers.

Despite all her accomplishments, Janet believes there is still more to learn.

“There’s more to running a business than just opening the doors,” she says, “In business, you have to constantly reinvent yourself.” That is why she attends workshops and classes to learn the latest techniques; why she seeks out the newest technology and the best materials. “When I frame something, I want you to be able to look at it in 10, 20 or 30 years and it look just as good as the day you took it home.”

Janet applies her philosophy to everything she frames, whether it is the original lyrics to Don Gibson’s hit song “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” which now hangs in the Country Music Hall of Fame, a NASCAR driver’s uniform, or a child’s drawing. “Everyone who walks through the door is special, and their item is special. I treat each one as if it were mine.”

Contact Janet: fmgshelby@earthlink.net www.framemastersgallery.com

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 33

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Thursday, May 20th is a great day to go to the Doctor.

This could be the most fun you’ve ever had at the doctor’s office. Boiling Springs Medical Associates invites you to drop by and tour our newly renovated offices at 305 West College Avenue. We’ll be holding an Open House from 12 pm to 2 pm in cooperation with the Spring Chamber of Commerce Event.

Enjoy plenty of food and refreshments. Register to win doorprizes. Meet the staff, and discuss the exciting changes taking place at Boiling Springs Medical Associates.

We’re open Monday from 7 am to 6 pm and Tuesday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm to accommodate your work schedule. Call 704.434.2281 for more.

305 W. College Ave., Boiling Springs

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36 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

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SALLIE CRAIG | Craig, Barry & Poston, P.A. | Partner/CPA | Shelby, NC

7

WORDS BOB MORI

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

When one thinks of a “numbers” person, the image of a caring, compassionate personality usually doesn’t first come to mind. CPA Sallie Craig, owner and partner in Craig, Barry and Poston PA in uptown Shelby, is one who breaks the mold in a different way.

Craig, a Bluefield, W.Va. native, who’s been a Shelby resident since 1984, liked working with figures and, after high school, worked at different banks in various jobs while simultaneously taking college classes. Before graduating from Concord University in Athens, W.Va., with a double degree, a B.S. in business and a B.A. in geography, she experienced a “defining moment” while spending three weeks in England in a college exchange program. “That was the first time I did things on my own all by myself,” she explains. “It built my self confidence, making me feel I could conquer the world.”

Always on the lookout for better opportunities, Sallie heard of an opening with a CPA firm in Shelby, then named Miller, Johnson and Sherrill (MJ&S). Originally hired as a staff accountant, she attained her CPA certification in 1986. Sallie met Deedi Barry at MJ&S in 1984 and found she shared an interest in starting a separate public accounting company.

In 1988, they opened Craig and Barry, PA. After a couple of temporary locations, in 1988 she and her partner bought their business’s current building on Lafayette Street across from the old courthouse statue. In 2001, the pair hired Philip Poston who became a partner in 2005. “We really strive to be an integral part of clients’ businesses, part of their management team, so we can

truly give accounting advice year-round,” Craig explains. “We want to be caring, trusted advisers.”

Sallie strives to balance her professional and personal life by pursuing many interests. “I belong to South Mountains Women Outdoors,” she explains, “whose 20 to 30 members like to take day hikes and week-long backpacking trips, among other adventures.” She also has a musical side. “I took piano lessons for 10 years,” she recalls, “and I like classical, blue grass, folk and blues. I really enjoy music festivals and attending shows at the Gibson Theater.” Sallie is also in a women’s wine-tasting group called the Cork Club.

Even with an active social life, Sallie finds time to get involved with the community. She’s been honored with numerous awards plus has served on the Chamber’s and Broad River Greenway’s boards, chairing the later for a year. She’s currently president of the breakfast Rotary Club and the board chair of the Dover Foundation YMCA. Sallie has been a member of Central United Methodist Church in uptown Shelby for 25 years where she’s served on various committees and currently plays in the handbell choir. In addition to her daughter Alice, who works in Boston as a financial consultant, Sallie’s immediate family also includes her son Tucker, who’s attending Clemson University. “I really want to make a difference in someone else’s life,” she testifies, “because a lot of people have made a difference in mine and I want to pass that on.”

Just to round out the picture, Sallie Craig proudly claims ownership of an auto rarity, a 1973 VW “Thing” convertible she bought in the mid90’s, which still runs and has just 20,000 original miles. Pretty out of the ordinary for an accountant!

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 37

WORDS JUDY GAULTNEY

GERI EAKER | Free Space Design | Interior Architect | Shelby, NC

8

It took Geri Eaker a while to get to Shelby, but she has brightened up the place since she arrived in December 2001. An interior architect, she is responsible for the interior design of the much-lauded Don Gibson Theatre and the new Cleveland County Airport Terminal currently under construction and due to open this summer. While you’re reading this, she and husband Roger Eaker are celebrating the recent renovation – her design -- of Roger’s Pool and Spa Service on Kings Road Extension, a business Roger has operated for more than 30 years.

“In a recession, you really don’t want to borrow money if you don’t have to,” Geri says. “And it’s a risk to open a new business in a recession, but you have to just take that risk. Because we can do it ourselves, then why not?”

Geri, 52, has apparently asked “why not?” many times in her life. The native of Scotland (yes, she still sounds Scottish) earned an advanced diploma in photography and made her living as a professional photographer before she decided she wanted to go back to college and study interior architecture. And study she did! “I have an honors degree first class, which I think you call cum laude here, in interior and environmental design, and also a master’s degree in interior and environmental design.”

Geri, who owns FreeSpace Design LLC, which is housed with her husband’s business, explains the distinction between interior architect and interior designer. “In the U.K. and Europe, interior designers study four years of building construction, so it kind of puts us between the category of an interior decorator and an architect. We can do architectural detail, like staircases and cabinetry. Interior designers here generally don’t do that. Back in Scotland I can build up to a two-story building, but here I can’t do anything without an architect.”

Geri came to Cleveland County by way of marriage to Roger. They met through an Internet dating site while Geri was still in Scotland, where she was teaching computer arts at the University of Abertay Dundee, a world leader in computer arts and computer games technology. “When I first came here, I went to the Arts Council in Shelby and met up with a bunch of women artists and crafts people, and together we opened Synergy Studios, which is a gallery plus studio,” Geri says. “We just rented a warehouse space from a local person and I designed it. My husband and I built the space from recycled materials and a next-to-nothing budget. It’s still there. ” Geri is also a fine art painter. Those who visit her Web site www.freespacedesign. com can view her fine art as well as her work as an interior architect. In addition to Geri’s designs for The Don Gibson Theatre, the Web site contains computer-generated views of the airport terminal, plus photos of other finished projects like Shelby Park Community Center, the 400,000-square-foot South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, S.C., and residences. Every project displays Geri’s trademark – a lot of color. The expanded Roger’s Pool and Spa Service is very colorful, too, and “it’s a bit different from the average pool store,” Geri says. “We’re expanding into retail. We sell lots of things, not just pool supplies, things like aromatherapy for hot tubs, all sorts of stuff.”

Why not?

Contact Geri: 704.418.1245 | info@freespacedesign.com | www.freespacedesign.com

38 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 39

36 F o o t hills S p o t l i g h t J a n / F e b 2 0 1 0

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Office & Residential Cleaning

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 41

One Woman’s

Journey:

From Illness to Wellness and Beyond

By Katherine Panther-Potemkin

Gerene Butterfield is a remarkable woman on a remarkable journey. Those who know her are aware of the many journeys she has taken during her life. However, 30 years ago she embarked on a life-altering journey that has carried her far beyond the illness with which it began.

In the early 1980s while on a trip, she noticed a blanching and lack of circulation in her fingers. She attributed it to the luggage she had carried that day and put it out of her mind.

When it continued, she went for medical tests and was told she had Reynaud’s phenomena, which actually signals a serious underlying condition.

Gerene’s list of possibilities included scleroderma, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

For the next seven years, doctors treated and monitored her increasing symptoms and sought a diagnosis. In 1990, she was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, an autoimmune disease causing tissues and organs to harden: there is no cure. The disease had already impaired her lung function to 48 percent of normal, with resulting shortness of breath, fatigue, impaired thinking, and fibromyalgia.

42 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

Ten months later, in 1991, her lung function dropped to 32 percent, so with her husband Roy she travelled to the University of Pittsburgh where scleroderma was originally discovered.

Of the trip Gerene says, “We went on the wings of prayer.” By the time they went she was so sick they didn’t think she would be able to return home, but they knew they had many people praying for her recovery. Gerene recalls the trip as both difficult and a highlight of her life as she felt God’s presence with her like never before.

In Pittsburgh she was hospitalized for 10 days and told she would eventually die from scleroderma. With there being no treatment for the disease, her symptoms were treated with medications which had complicating side effects. The scleroderma worsened and frequent hospitalizations were necessary for inflammation around her heart and lungs, kidney infections, and broken bones that would not heal without surgery.

Amazingly, through all of this, Gerene kept active. She pushed herself because she was a wife, a caregiver for her own mother, and a mother who wanted to see her teenage daughter grow up. Giving in wasn’t her style,

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and not doing so seemed to keep her alive.

Eight years later a friend brought Gerene and Roy a Dr. Lorraine Day video, “Diseases Don’t Just Happen.” On December 15, 1999, after watching the video, which mentioned reversing scleroderma through nutrition, Roy said, “Gerene, you don’t have anything to lose. We’ll try it for three months. We’ll do it together. If you’re better in three months we’ll continue together. If you’re not, we’ll go eat at Outback.”

That was the day they became vegan vegetarians, a drastic change from their current diet! Three months later Gerene was medication free and many of her symptoms had disappeared. Today she is symptom free, and both she and Roy have continued on a vegan diet. “We took that step on faith, but that’s what you have to do – have faith.” She talks openly about her faith and the fact that “the body cannot perform as it should and heal itself without proper nutrition.”

Gerene, owner of The Healing Connection Wellness Center, now teaches the importance of both nutrition and faith. She puts it this way, “That’s why I’m here doing what I do today.

I want to help people and give them hope.”

Gerene is truly a remarkable woman offering opportunity and guidance to others on their remarkable journeys.

The Healing Connection Wellness Center is located at 323 S. Washington Street in Shelby.

Their phone number is 704-271-1155 and the web site is www.healingconnectionofnc.com.

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44 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

2010

First & Third Thursdays • 5:30-8:30pm Court Square, Uptown Shelby TThursday, June 3 Fantastic Shakers Beach

TThursday, July 155 Contagious C Blues & Amissville Blues Night 5-9 PM M

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Thursday, June 17 Th

Chocolate Thunder Soul & Blues

TThursday, July 1

Wolf Creek W Country & Blue Grass

Thursday, August 5

Mother’s Finest Funk/Rock

Thursday, Th u sday d y, A August ug gust 19 9

Caribbean Cowboys Caribbean & Beach

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 45

Almost anything you need made out of wood,

! t i o d n We ca

Ted Dedmon has 30+ years of experience.

Each member of his team offers 20+ years experience.

704-487-5263 • www.clevelandlumbercompany.com

46 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

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Girls hav have ha ve g good ood TASTE Between the Rivers Wine Trail

Regional Vineyards & Wineries

Web Sites Completed This Quarter Queen Fuel Components www.ezadd.biz Warlick and Hamrick Insurance www.kminsure.com Secure Electronics www.secureelectronics.net QEMS www.qems-inc.com Foothills Spotlight Magazine www.foothillsspotlight.com Lakeshore Media www.lakeshore-media.com

Baker Buffalo Creek

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Jan/Feb 2010 Foothills Spotlight 23 May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 47

potlight.com

Tanner Real Estate Services, Inc. Commercial & Residential Appraisals Cleveland & Rutherford Counties 110 West Marion Street Shelby, N.C. 28150

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Jan/Feb 2010 Foothills Spotlight 11 704-406-9246 • www.smokeonthesquare.com

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48 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

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IRON WORDS APRIL HOYLE SHAUF

“I

Woman

am so fortunate because I found where my passion meets my profession,” says Karma Edwards, describing her discovery of the field of public health while a student at Appalachian State University (ASU). Today Karma has earned a stellar reputation both in her former workplace at the Cleveland County Health Department and her new position at the Gaston County Health Department.

In both locations she has poured her zeal for public health into educational campaigns in areas from substance abuse to maternal and child health. But her top interest is childhood

50 F o o t h i l l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2010

and adult obesity, a problem that has personal implications.

“My own family has struggled with weight issues,” she says. “My mother recently had gastric bypass surgery.”

Karma admits her family history was a source of concern during her childhood and teen years.

“But at some point I just realized that yes, it may run in my family, but I have a choice, too,” she says. That choice led to her first love-basketball. She played from the time she was 7, and attended ASU on a full scholarship. But repeated injuries put an end to her basketball career, and when she asked doctors which

sports would not cause further damage, she was told she could run, bike or swim.

She chose all three.

As Karma flips through photos on her computer, beautiful images illustrate her hard work throughout the past five years. All are pictures of her competing in triathlons -- races that combine competitions in running, cycling and swimming. But one photo doesn’t fit in with the others.

“That’s my foot,” says Karma matter-of-factly.

The photo shows a pink and purple object swollen to almost twice the size of a typical woman’s foot.

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www .f o o t h i l

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 51

Karma broke her toe during the swimming portion of an Ironman® triathlon in Florida several years ago. An Ironman is the highest level of a triathlon competition -- a 2.4-mile swim followed next by a 112-mile bike ride and then a 26.2-mile marathon run. Grueling work for even the healthiest body. But while most people would consider a broken toe to be a race-ender -- especially since both the biking and running portions of the contest were still to come -- it didn’t stop Karma.

“I decided to go ahead and do the biking portion before getting the toe set,” she recounts coolly.

So after finishing the 112-mile ride, she had the toe set, only to be told that running on the broken appendage would most certainly cause a break in the foot itself. “They told me I could quit then, but that would mean I wouldn’t finish the Ironman,” she recalls.

She doesn’t bother to explain her choice. She simply indicates another picture on her computer screen -- a picture of her grimacing as she runs across a finish line.

Dedication is a trait that Karma brings to her races.

It is also obvious in her work life.

“Obesity is now classified as a disease, and the best tool to fight this disease is education,” she says.

“Basically it comes down to behavior: To fight obesity people must eat healthy and exercise more.”

To convey this message Karma and her co-workers

36 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

target children and adults in places where they “live, play, pray and learn or work.” In Cleveland County, Karma was instrumental in implementing a program called “Take 10” for kindergarten through fifth grades.

The program incorporates physical activity with academic work.

“Educators have so many demands on them, they really didn’t need another thing to squeeze into their day,” explains Karma. “This program allows them to do two things at once.”

For adults, Karma worked with local businesses to create programs that would work with the corporate structure and schedules of each company. She also targeted churches, encouraging them to commit to measures such as providing healthy snacks at Vacation Bible Schools each year.

“It all starts with the agency and industry leaders,” says Karma. “Getting the key players involved can make a huge difference in the success of a public education program.”

And Karma certainly knows a lot about success.

She feels it each time she crosses a finish line. But she feels it the most when she sees people in the community working together to become fitter.

“It’s all about people making strides at becoming healthy and increasing their quality of life,” she says.

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E FRErnet e Int i Fi W

Board Certified Clinical Specialists in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

• The Areas Preferred Provider • Dr. Miller and his therapists have over 100 years combined experience in advanced orthopedic and manual physical therapy • 1129 E. Marion St., Shelby

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Our mission is to glorify and honor God by reaching out to people with the love of Jesus Christ.

At Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates, we will strive to achieve this by providing exceptional care and by using our resources to promote healing in the lives of our associates, our patients and our community.

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For more information on the Settle Community Scholorship or the products & services provided by Settle Heating & Air visit:

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 53

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South Mountains Women Outdoors

WORDS MARK ALAN HUDSON

54 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

It started during the late summer of 1980 when six women decided to take a three day canoeing trip on the New River in northwest NC. They were connected by the normal things in life: kids, friendships, classes, neighbors, church.

The days were classic ones, warm but not stifling, and the river, majestic in its beauty, offered a suitable physical challenge. A new type of experience for some, the outing would create lasting bonds. One of the women on that trip was Sharon Battistini (Forney in those days), a former Outward Bound instructor. Also on the trip were Rachel Ammons (formerly Francis) and Dot Houlditch.

As they embraced the river, both for its challenge as well as its beauty, they also enjoyed each other’s company. And among the many topics they discussed during their trip, they kept returning to their desire to have such experiences more often.

From time to time after that adventure, some of them would get together but it was sporadic. Houlditch had a child, limiting her availability but Ammons and Battistini continued to think about their pledge to do more things together. Ammons recalls Battistini inviting her to go on a canoe trip through the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and into a provincial park in Canada. “We connected with a group of Sharon’s friends there,” Ammons recalls, “and they were all former Outward Bound instructors.”

She remembers being awed by their skills and confidence. “I remember one of them clearly: she was a petite woman and she could carry a full ‘Duluth pack’ on her back, an aluminum canoe on her shoulders and dance a little gig while doing it. It was awesome.”

It was a challenging but rewarding trip for Ammons, as well as Battistini, for it was here they learned about women’s groups that enjoyed outdoor activities and the fact there was even a national group called Women Outdoors.

Energized, they returned home to Shelby and contacted a core group of women who might like to meet on a regular basis and take adventures together. By 1983, South Mountains Women Outdoors (SMWO) was a reality. Included in that initial core group was Dot Houlditch, one of the participants on that first river trip in 1980.

For Houlditch, the opportunity to be a part of a group like this was a gift. She’d always enjoyed the outdoors, and even though her job as a gymnastics instructor, her role as a mother and being the owner of a small farm were all physically demanding, the chance to engage in diverse activities with other women having similar interests was compelling.

She soon found her involvement with the group gave her much more than just great adventures. It also gave her a connection to women who were experiencing similar things in their lives, whether it was raising children, dealing with work, aging parents, family stresses or just how the world was going. “For me, Women Outdoors has been a constant and evolving group of friends, some of whom I’ve known for almost 30 years. We’ve shared so many of life’s big events together,” she says, “and it has been a wonderful part of my life.”

As with most groups, the passage of time means that new faces appear and others fade away. The strength of the bond among women in the group just seems to attract the right mix of new members at just the right times.

One of those newer members is Jenny Dickson, who has been involved for the past ten years. Dickson says she was looking for something in her life at that time as she felt she needed to become more active to become healthier. Betsy

Left Page: Sharon Battistini (L) and Rachel Ammons (R) enjoy a successful fishing foray during a trip to the Minnesota Boundary waters last summer.

Top: Whether a day hike or a week long trek, SMWO always has an adventure in mind.

This is a shot of a day hike on the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, NC. Middle: Miriam Ash-Jones (F) and Dot Houlditch (R) canoe the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 55

“It has been a life changing experience for me.�

Rachel Ammons

56 F o o t h i l l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2010

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Fonvielle, also a SMWO member, invited her to take a short hike with her while on a church retreat. Dickson loved it and was excited when she was invited to a meeting.

“Women Outdoors changed my whole life in terms of being active,” she notes. “It has been wonderful for me to have a group to plug into to develop my skills and interests that I might not otherwise ever be able to do,” she adds. She also notes that it is the bonds of friendship within the group that mean most to her. Since joining, Dickson notes she has gotten healthier and has knocked out six marathons and 70% of the 2,300 mile Appalachian Trial. She plans to finish her last segment on her birthday in July 2012.

Another “new” member is Gudrun Novak, a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator who came to Shelby with her husband because it was the size community they wanted to live in. She’d previously participated in women’s groups geared to similar pursuits but had often found them too intense.

Invited to attend one of the SMWO meetings by long time member June Miller, she was immediately attracted to the mix of participants, their varied careers and interests and even their stages of life. “This group had a wonderful blend of interests and abilities,” she recalls, “and I found it amazing that a town like Shelby had something this special.”

Over the years, the group, which averages 25-30 members, has taken sailing voyages, bike trips, canoeing and kayaking adventures and long backpacking treks. They’ve also done many shorter adventures such as horseback riding, day hikes and even low key beach trips. Their activities often push their members’ limits in exploring the outdoors but they all offer opportunities for experiencing new horizons in life with lifelong friends.

Looking back, Ammons thinks the group has evolved the way it should. It is low key and informal but it is always looking ahead. “It has been a life changing experience for me,” she says. “It came into my life when I needed a group of friends and the support they offer. I have learned new skills and gained knowledge in ways I would have never believed. And it has been wonderful to see how we have grown and changed through our experiences together.”

Left Page, Clockwise: Sandy Hudson, Miriam Ash-Jones and Betsy Fonvielle enjoy a break in the shade during a hike in Utah; June Miller, Vickie Borders, Miriam Ash-Jones and Dot Holditch take advantage of natural bench seating during a New Mexico adventure; Jenny Dickson and Miriam Ash-Jones celebrate reaching a peak along the Appalachian Trail; (L to R) June Miller, Annie Wright, Vickie Borders, Rachel Ammons and Miriam Ash-Jones spend a day horseback riding in New Mexico.

Top Left: The group enjoys a winter outing.

Top Right: Packing and unpacking the ‘van’ in Utah desert became an art form.

Middle Left: A great catch on the Minnesota Boundary trip.

Middle Right: Dot Houlditch tries free form rock climbing in Utah.

Bottom: Miriam Ash-Jones (F) and Dot Houlditch (R) negotiate a beaver dam in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 57

s &AX www.berrybusinessmachines.com

SERVING THE AREA FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

Tanner Real Estate Services, Inc. Commercial & Residential Appraisals Cleveland & Rutherford Counties 110 West Marion Street Shelby, N.C. 28150

704-484-2111 Bud Tanner Certified General Appraiser

PE R S ONA L I Z ED SUPPORT

STERLING HOUSE® SHELBY PERSONALized Assisted Living Respect for Individual PreferencesSM 1425 East Marion Street Shelby, North Carolina 28150 FOX DISTRIBUTING (704)

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• New Lunch Menu • Weekly Drink Specials • We Cater Any Event Large or Small!

5 East Marion Street • Shelby NC 28150 Jan/Feb 2010 Foothills Spotlight 11 704-406-9246 • www.smokeonthesquare.com

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Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm • Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm • Sun. 11am-3pm

58 F o o t h i l l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2010

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K C A B FLASH SUSAN BOLT BRIGGS • Graduated from Burns High in 1977.

• While at Burns she played Varsity basketball basketball 4 years, Varsity tennis 3 years, and Varsity softball 2 years.

• Led Burns to a 23-3 record in basketball. basketball.

• Named softball MVP of the old Southwest Southwest Conference 2 years in a row.

• Attended Gardner-Webb on a basketball basketball scholarship and was a 4 year starter.

• Was named to the Gardner-Webb University University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

• She finished her career with 1,236 points and points and 625 rebounds and is one of only 7 women in in Gardner Webb history to have 1,000 points and 625 rebounds.

• Currently a Senior Vice President/City Executive with BB&T in Gastonia.

Executive with BB&T in Gastonia.

Married to Mike Briggs and has one son: • Married to Mike Briggs and has one son: Michael (24) Michael (24)

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June May /June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 59

TEMESHIA DAWKINS - Basketball - Wingate Univ.

Temeshia Dawkins, a 1996 Graduate of Crest High, was a three time all South Atlantic Conference selection and named to the All Decade Team from 2000-2009. Dawkins finished her career with 1,622 career points and 1,001 rebounds to become only one of six players in South Atlantic Conference history to achieve that feat.

ROB BINION - Soccer - Shelby High Binion was the only Cleveland County player named to the 2009 All-State team by the NC Soccer Coaches Association.

He was also voted Team MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year in the South Mountain Athletic Conference and was also named to The Charlotte Observer’s All-Observer Soccer Team, and the Observer’s All-Region First Team. While playing every game in goal, he had 12 shutouts leading his team to a 23-3-1 record and their first state championship in soccer. He plans to attend Appalachian State University in the fall.

NATALYN BLANTON - Softball - UNCC

5

FAB

DUSTIN PORTER - Wrestling - GWU

Dustin Porter became Gardner-Webb’s first and only four-time regional champion and national qualifier for the 2009-2010 season. Porter, of Burton, Ohio wrestled in the Heavyweight division and finished this season with a 33-7 record and a career record of 108-30.

ADAM IZOKOVIC - Baseball - GWU Adam Izokovic is a former Burns High and Post 82 player, Adam was clutch out of the bullpen for Gardner-Webb working the final 5 innings of the 11 inning game to pick up the win against Division 1 foe Wake Forest back on March 17. His strikeout of leadoff man Pat Blair with two men on in the 11th inning ended the game. At presstime, Izokovic was leading the team with a sparkling 1.12 era and a 4-2 record.

Natalyn Blanton, a Crest High graduate, has started DH in all 32 games this season for UNCC’s softball team. She is 3rd on the team with 17 RBI’s and leads the team with 4 HR’s. At presstime, Natalyn had helped her team to 25-8 record.

To nominate an area athlete for the Fab 5, please email sdavis@ccagency.net.

All ages and all sports nominations are welcome.

www.bradleysinc.com

Settle It Once And For All! Will you be watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament from South Africa in June? www.SettleItOnceAndForAll.com Last Issue’s Question: Who has the best NASCAR TV Coverage?

80% of the voters picked FOX

704-481-1788 www.settleinwithcomfort.com

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 61

Friends. Neighbors.

Mortgage experts.

Vicki Royster

Stephanie Whisnant

Cathy Smith

Mortgage Loan Officer

Mortgage Loan Officer

Mortgage Loan Officer

(704)476-2749

(704)476-2748

(704)476-2733

First Tu

224 E. Warren Street 2007 E. Dixon Blvd., Cleveland Mall

esday C

:00 am| Cleveland lub Room 10:0010am | Cleve land R Gragg

www.hometrustbanking.com

oom & Gra & Gragg, LLP Gragg g g, LLP

information or to sign up call DiFor ffermore ent704-482-2001, ext. 6 each m topics onth For m ore or to s informat 704-4 ign up callion 82

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, ext.

Member FDIC

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6 Hello, I’m Tracy Walker.

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gragg&gragg.com 62 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

Call Today!

704-487-1500

www.walkerscc.com

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Serving Cleveland County since 1991

1 # r You ws Ne rce Sou

Up-to-the-minute local news, weather & sports information

www.Cable33.com

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 63

Best of the

Foothills Vote for your favorite at www.FoothillsSpotlight.com [ vote only once ]

DINING • BBQ • Steak • Salad Bar • Wait Staff • Burger • Chinese • Japanese • Home Cooking • Mexican • Sushi • Lunch • Take a date • Dessert • Seafood • Sub Sandwich • French Fries • Pizza • Fast Food • Ice Cream / Milk Shake • Beer Selection • Wine Selection PERSONAL SERVICES • Hair Salon • Barber Shop • Spa/Massage • Nail Salon • Work Out Establishment • Tattoo Artist

BUSINESS/ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Bank • Lawyer • Financial • Funeral Home • CPA • Real Estate Office • Real Estate Agent • Veterinarian • Photographer

ARtS & ENtERtAINmENt • Live Music • Art Gallery • Movie Theater • Local Music Festival LOCAL BANDS • Country • Blues • Bluegrass • Rock • Gospel • Beach • Americana mEDIA • Radio Station • Website • Favorite Feature in Foothills Spotlight Magazine AUtOmOBILES • New Dealership • Used Dealership • Body Shop • Car Repair • Tires RECREAtION/OUtDOORS • Golf Course • Hiking • Biking • Fishing • Sports Venue • Picnicking • Boating • Walking • County/City Public Park • Family Entertainment • Museums

ed e nc su e ou is zin nn 0 a a 01 ag be 2 M ill ct ht w O tlig rs t/ o ne ep Sp in S ls W the thil

in Foo

of

Categories

ShOPPING • Antique Store • Bike Shop • Women’s Clothing • Men’s Clothing • Kids’ Clothing • Shoes • Consignment/Thrift Store • Garden/Nursery • Gift Shop • Grocery • Beer Selection • Wine Selection • Home Furnishings • Arts/Crafts • Hunting Supplies • Convenient Store • Video Store UNIqUELy FOOthILLS • Politician • Community Leader • Eyesore

S p eci al A d vert i si ng S ect i on

Invisalign: Invisible Braces for a Beautiful New Smile

Young & Associates Cosmetic Dental Design • Family Dentistry

Young & Associates offers Invisalign clear aligners for adults as well as older teens.

Did you know that nearly one out of four orthodontic patients these days is over the age of 21? And did you know that Invisalign braces can give you straighter teeth in as little as six months to one year? “I didn’t have braces as a child,” one patient told us, “and I was afraid that getting braces as an adult would make me look unprofessional. When my dentist told me about braces that were nearly invisible, I knew I’d found the perfect solution.”

Dr. Pauline Cahill says, “With Invisalign braces, you can have a confident and beautiful smile, without most people even realizing you’re wearing invisible braces.”

A welcome alternative to braces with metal wires, this treatment uses clear, custom-molded aligners that are virtually invisible. You can remove the aligners when it’s time to eat, drink, brush or floss.

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that change about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth, you know you’ll end up with a smile that truly fits.

The Invisalign retainers also serve as whitening trays upon completion of the aligning process at no additional fee.

When it comes to considering your options for a smile makeover, it’s easy to see Invisalign’s advantages.

If you’re ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign may be the answer. Call Young & Associates at 704-482-7986 to schedule a consultation to see if you would be a candidate for this exciting orthodontic option. YA

66 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

Our Services:

• Cosmetic & Family Dentistry • Emergency Appointments Daily • Root Canal Therapy, Extractions • Crowns, Bridges, Implants • Tooth Whitening, Veneers • Dentures, Partials, Mini-Implants

Eugene Young D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

Pauline Cahill D.D.S.

• Invisalign • Lumineers • We participate in MetLife, Delta Dental, Health Choice Insurance and Medicaid!

Brenton Young D.D.S.

Young & Associates Cosmetic Dental Design • General Dentistry

ShelbyFamilyDentist.com 704•482•7986

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Craftsmen rates are low

+

Material prices are low

+ Great rates for home loans

=

A Great Time for your Dream Home!

Now is the perfect time

for your dream home.

A home is one of the smartest decisions you can ever make. One reason is that homeownership has many positive tax implications. The three most important sources of tax savings for homeowners are: • • •

Deduction for Mortgage Interest Deductions for real estate taxes Capital gain exclusion for the sale of principal residence

Now is a great time to build! Contact one of the participating qualified local builders on the next page to learn more. www.BuildingClevelandCounty.com

Serving Cleveland County & Surrounding Areas for 32 Years

Glenn Williams Construction builds high quality custom homes throughout a four county area in the foothills off North Carolina.We are licensed by the state as an unlimited residential and commercial builder and are recognized by the National Association of Home Builders as Certified Green Professionals.

CAROLINA ARTISANS CONSTRUCTION Eddie Kee, President Darrell Ledbetter, Vice President 724 S Morgan Street, Shelby, NC 28150 704-487-1071 www.carolinaartisans.net

Glenn Williams Construction is building for the future, today.

Looking to build a custom home that reflects your personality with a company that listens and works hard to exceed your expectations? Then W W Contractors is the company for you! We’ve been building custom homes in Boiling Springs, Gastonia, Kings Mountain and Shelby, NC since 1977.

A licensed residential and commercial builder specializing in custom homes. We are dedicated to honesty, integrity and quality work. Our attention to detail will exceed your expectations.

GLENN WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, INC. 704-434-5576 www.glennwilliamsconstruction.com

WW CONTRACTORS, INC. 704-487-5226 www.ronniewhetstine.com

HOWARD BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION, INC. 1414 Chatfield Rd. Shelby, NC 28150 704-472-0745 eghoward@carolina.rr.com

Smart Construction, Inc. offers Turn-key project management including lot selection, home design and build, and exceptional customer service beyond the sale. One on one customer interaction throughout the building process, along with access to interior design professionals to assist in material, color, and placement decisions of all interior details. We also design and build custom home additions and detached garages of all sizes.

Southern Craftsmen is a small but solid building and contracting company with a reputation for integrity and reliability. We have an unlimited license to build residential or commercial projects in the state of North Carolina. Our specialty is custom projects which are specific and unique for each client. Our driving force is the genuine desire to help people realize their goals and dreams and to leaving the world a better place for our children.

SMART CONSTRUCTION, INC. 704-913-0070 msmart1@carolina.rr.com

SOUTHERN CRAFTSMEN 704-466-3531 www.southerncraftsmen.org

www.BuildingClevelandCounty.com

Participating Builders

Carolina Artisans Construction in Shelby, NC serves residential and commercial customers. We specialize in Land Development, churches, commercial, custom construction and homes.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS This special section for Cleveland County Home Builders is being sponsored by: Cleveland Lumber and Shelby Savings Bank.

To learn more, visit www.buildingclevelandcounty.com.

Cleveland Lumber is recognized as an industry leader to supply quality lumber, building materials, hardware, paint and supplies for area builders.

Our millwork shop is well known for providing specialty needs and high quality work on custom designs. We have our own door and window shop. Our modern showroom offers the best quality, name-brand products, from the newest high-end technology to the old fashioned tried and true methods.

Cleveland Lumber Company – The Builder’s Choice.

704-487-5263 - www.clevelandlumbercompany.com

Our home loan experts will customize a program to fit your specific needs and budget. All loan approvals are made locally by folks familiar with your community. This enables us to give you the quick answer you need.

Building your dream home? Our mortgage loan options include traditional fixed rate loans up to 40 years, adjustable rate mortgages, and interest-only loans, all designed to meet your specific financial needs.

704-476-2745 - www.hometrustbanking.com

S p eci al A d vert i si ng S ect i on

Which Of These Neuropathy Symptoms Do You Suffer From?

If You Suffer From A Single One Of These Torturous Symptoms – Numbness, Tingling, Or Sharp Nerve Pain – THEN THE FACTS BELOW MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT YOU HAVE EVER READ IN YOUR LIFE! Neuropathy affects every part of your life -- walking, sitting, and even sleeping.

Numerous studies have proven chiropractic's effectiveness in helping nerve conditions...

Maybe you've had multiple tests, only to find out no one has any idea what you have. Maybe you've even been put on a drug with heavy side effects.

“Manipulation [chiropractic adjustments], with or without exercise, improved symptoms more than medical care did after both 3 and 12 months.”– British Medical Journal

Do you have any of the following symptoms...

• • • • •

Pins and needles feeling Numbness in the hands or feet Tingling or burning sensations Weakness in the arms or legs Sharp shooting or burning pains

If so you may have a condition called peripheral neuropathy.

My name is Dr. Rich Berkowitz, owner of Carolina Chiropractic Plus. I've been helping people with neuropathy and nerve problems for more than 14 years.

More than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a problem caused by damage to the nerves that supply your arms and legs.

This painful condition interferes with your body's ability to transmit messages to your muscles, skin, joints, or internal organs. If ignored or mistreated, neuropathy can lead to irreversible health conditions.

Why not get help by those trained to correct the major cause of peripheral neuropathy?

Data from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners' Job Analysis of Chiropractic lists arm and leg neuropathy as the second most common nerve problem treated by chiropractors.

Often neuropathy is caused by a degenerating spine pressing on the nerve roots. This can happen in any of the vertebral joints from the neck all the way down to the tail bone.

Patients showed an 85.5% resolution of the nerve symptoms after only 9 chiropractic treatments. - Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2008 With chiropractic care, patients had “significant improvement in perceived comfort and function, nerve conduction and finger sensation overall.” – JMPT 1998 “Significant increase in grip strength and normalization of motor and sensory latencies were noted.

Orthopedic tests were negative. Symptoms dissipated.” – JMPT 1994 What these studies mean is that with chiropractic care, you could soon be enjoying life...without those aggravating nerve problems.

How To Find Out If This Will Work For You It’s time for you to find out if chiropractic will be your neuropathy solution.

For only $47, you will receive all the services I normally charge new patients $250 for!

What does this offer include? Everything. Take a look at what you will receive: • An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where I will listen…really listen…to the details of your case.

•

A complete neuromuscular examination.

Don’t let neuropathy hold you back from enjoying life.

The appointment will not take long at all. And you won't be sitting in a waiting room all day either.

Here's What To Do Now The offer is only good until June 30, 2010. Call today 704-482-0135 and we can get you scheduled for your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening.

Our office is located across from Carter Chevrolet, at 145 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC. When you call, tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Neuropathy Evaluation so she can get you on the schedule and make sure you receive proper credit for this special offer.

Sincerely, Rich Berkowitz, D.C.

• A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms… (NOTE: These would normally cost you at least $100).

P.S. At our office, we have specialized treatment programs for treating patients who suffer from neuropathy.

The Single Most Important Solution To Your Neuropathy

• A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free.

That’s no way to live, not when there could be an easy solution to your problem

By using gentle techniques, I'm able to release the pressure that has built up on the nerve. This allows the nerve to heal and the symptoms to go away.

• You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like it has been for so many other patients.

Why suffer with years of misery?

Don't live in pain when we may have the solution you've been looking for all along.

Call today...704-482-0135

If you decide to purchase additional treatment you have the legal right to change your mind within 3 days and receive a refund. Federal recipients are excluded from this offer.I

S p eci al A d vert i si ng S ect i on

Max D. Jones & Associates, Inc. Taking dedication and service to the “Max” Clients of the insurance agency Max D. Jones & Associates, Inc., describe the staff there as friendly, dedicated, personable and very nice – all things you would ask for in customer service. They describe the company’s founder, the late Max D. Jones, as a great man who went above and beyond what was expected. And they note that Max’s wife Kaye and his daughter Katie are doing Max proud by living out his legacy of trustworthy service and following his maxim of “doing the right thing” for the customer. It’s a simple way of doing business, but the payoff is immeasurable.

In a brief rundown of the agency, Kaye relates that Max first sold insurance as a young man in his 20s and then set it aside to work for Duke Power. During a downsizing period for Duke Power, he started selling life insurance again. He then founded Max D. Jones & Associates in 1989 after leaving Duke Power. “People told him he was crazy to leave,” Kaye recalls, “but he knew that if he worked as hard and was as dedicated for his own business as he was to Duke Power, he would be fine.” In the 1990’s Max added property and casualty coverage to the life insurance he already offered, and the agency has been selling all types of insurance since then.

“Being an independent insurance agency, we sell for many different companies, and we sell for very well-rated companies,” Kaye says. “We sell homeowners, auto, commercial liability and property insurance, just to name a few. We are always eager to discuss what the agency offers and encourage people to call or come by for a quote to ensure they are covered adequately and have the best rate they can receive. Our agency strives to help educate our clients so they are informed of what they are paying for when purchasing the coverage they need, and, in some situations, are required to purchase.”

Kaye Jones, Katie Canipe, Luke Canipe

Max D. Jones & Associates receives many referrals from existing customers like the successful businesswomen who gave the testimonials with this article. The agency does the right thing for the customer -- bottom line. “We take into consideration the customer’s current situation and try to offer the peace of mind we would want in purchasing insurance with our customer service.”

Testimonials “Fourteen years ago a friend referred us to Max D. Jones & Associates. Since that time the Jones agency has played a big part in the success of our company by providing us with excellent rates, great customer service and guidance on our insurance needs. We look forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come.” – Phyllis Burleson, Office Manager, The Cleaning Professionals, Cherryville, N.C., and a Max Jones client for 14 years “I don’t care how much times have changed, it’s not easy sometimes being a woman in business. I’ve dealt in business and insurance for a long, long time, and Kaye and Katie are the nicest insurance people I’ve ever had to deal with. They’re just that personable, and they want to do the best for you.” – Gail Burris, owner of The Rosebriar Restaurant, Albemarle, N.C., and a Max Jones client for eight years “We have close to 100 children and 20 employees. Safety is No. 1 with insurance; we have to have it. Max Jones is the only broker we go through. They handle everything we possibly need.” – Amanda Flynn, owner and founder of Shelby Childcare Development Program, Shelby, N.C. “I chose them because a girl who worked for me told me how nice and how good Mr. Jones was. She told the truth. I tell a lot of people about Max Jones. They are really good; they help people; they don’t try to kill you with the prices.” – Helen Cliette Houey, owner of Salon 360, Shelby, N.C., and a Max Jones client for nine years.

72 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

nor d would-be gover an r le g an Sp at P h elby.

Ezra Bridges wit swing through Sh n g ai p m ca a on t Jim Hun

Kings Mo untain na tives Mrs. Neisler, G Ida Paulin race Neisle e Mauney r Page, M Hunnicutt argaret N , Jennie L eisler ee Kerr, P auline Ne isler Brew er

Miss North Carolina 1948, Lawndale native Patty Osborne Lee.

Lily Schenck, namesake of sewing thread producer Lily Mills.

of Cleveland County’s Past Mrs. John McDonald, elected president of Shelby Female Academy in 1889.

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

Erma Johnston Drum, Social leader and editor of The Shelby Daily Star society women’s page.

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 73

fresh

Hair Concepts & Design by

Lorna

Color specialist with cutting edge design

704-692-3933 BrotherMan’s Tanning Co. “Wher Tanning Yer Hide Takes On New Meaning...”

Eddie parker

Lucille Davis

Independent Beauty Consultant 704-487-0803 HOME 704-484-3120 OFFICE Foothills Ad.ai 4/18/2010 12:00:19 PM e-mail: silverbel35@bellsouth.net

Experienced consultation.

Free delivery.

Mastercard/Visa accepted.

704-477-5491 One Stop Convenience for Fresh Hair & A Fabulous Tan 214 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain

Seasonal Family Pool Membership - $400 (May 1st-Sept 30th) Annual Individual Golf Membership - $800 (Access until April 1, 2011)

C

M

Cleveland Country Club

Y

1360 East Marion Street Shelby, North Carolina

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

For more informa�on, call 704-482-1711 or email us at cccmembership@carolina.rr.com 74 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Your partner in printing.

Who we are.

A full-service printing and direct mailing company with a focus on customer service

What we offer. • offset printing, digital printing, wide format printing, laser imaging, direct mail services, including ink jetting, inserting and kit assembly • no job is too large or too small • prices you can afford • prompt, courteous, professional service • 30 years of experience with a commitment to excellence

Why us.

Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance.

Call us today or visit our website to learn more about how we can meet your printing and mailing needs.

www.alphamail.com 1005 E. Dixon Blvd. Shelby, NC 28152

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 75

This Shelby Girl Rocks.

76 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

www. foothillsspotlight. com

Willa Hamrick:

How a “Shelby Girl” Became WSOC’s

e n i r e h t a e C n La

WORDS SHELLEY STOUT

www. fo o t h i l l s s p o t l i g h t .c o m

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 77

As a child, Willa Hamrick would spend hours pretending to be a radio announcer; with a hairbrush for a microphone, she would sell a toothbrush or a can of hairspray to the little lady in the mirror. By the time she reached her senior year at Shelby High School in 1982, that same self-confidence and vocal flair had earned her the honor of speaking at her graduation ceremony. Now, Willa (as Catherine Lane), spins Kenny Chesnee and Taylor Swift tunes on WSOC-FM for a devoted following, and is a two-time nominee for the Major Market Radio Personality of the Year.

This Shelby Girl rocks.

Even though Willa spends the middle of her day in Charlotte, (tune your dial to 103.7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays), her small town roots keep her grounded and sane. Her current home in Cramerton affords her a relatively short commute, yet she’s only a few miles from the town where she was born and raised. Growing up in Shelby, North Carolina, afforded Willa a strong sense of family, solid Christian values, and generous helpings of fun.

“I love the Court Square area and Washington Street and riding by those old beautiful homes,” she says, when asked about how Shelby has changed since she was a girl. “I went to First Baptist. It’s still there, and still looks the same.” She grew up in a place where her father taught her to play sports and her mother made every one of her Halloween costumes by hand. “I’m still a Shelby Girl,” she says fondly.

78 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

Willa’s favorite childhood memories usually involve Christmas mornings, when her father would wake up at 5 a.m. and build a fire in the fireplace.

Christmas presents were the only ones she and her sisters would receive all year, so there was “standing room only” under the Christmas tree.

Willa did the same for her two children while they were growing up, and currently enjoys spoiling her 3-year-old grandson, Aiden.

When her parents first bought her childhood home, Willa was about 2 years old. She spent her summers at the Shelby City Park Pool, where she perfected her backstroke, often handing over her allowance to the concession stand for a box of Milk Duds. On rainy days, Willa and her friends would play Go Fish, Spades, and Trouble. Summer camp every year was at Camp Lurecrest. Willa also enjoyed the typical extracurricular activities for a young girl: gymnastics, piano, and dance lessons.

With two older sisters, life was full of activity and amusement, with pickup softball games, crawdad fishing excursions in the creek, (they collected them in a wheelbarrow), and slumber parties Willa and her friends still remember today as the best in Shelby, with all-night beauty pageants and all-purpose teen girl pandemonium.

During high school, Willa chose a different career path—to become a nurse. Two influential teachers changed this. It had been Mrs. Jack, Willa’s sixthgrade English teacher at Cleveland School, who had first instilled in her a love of English and the written and spoken word. Then, Ms. Borders, Willa’s Health

Occupations teacher at Shelby High, noticed Willa’s ease before an audience. Ms. Borders nudged this love of language further by encouraging Willa to try extemporaneous speaking and entering speaking contests. Soon, it was clear that Willa was destined to forge a different path. Competing at the state level, Willa got her first taste of fame when she spoke at her high school graduation.

After graduating from Western Carolina University, Willa wasted no time finding a radio station willing to take her on. She began her career at Shelby’s WOHS, and from that point forward, has received multiple job offers with each position at a new radio station serving as a springboard for her next job.

Since her first position, she hasn’t had to formally interview for an on-air position.

With memories of family, friends, and fun times, Willa Hamrick will always call Shelby “home.” She is now, and will always be, a Shelby Girl.

Left: Back row: Chele Fassig, Marketing Director; Chris Allen, morning show producer; Rick McCracken, Music Director; Trey Shehan, Promotions; Captain Jim, Morning show news; DJ Stout, Program and operations director WSOC; Stacey Canady, Admin. Assistant to DJ Stout and promotions Middle: Pinkie, air personality; Catherine Lane, Debbie & Charlie Nance, Afternoons with “Charlie and Debbie”; Tanner, “Tanner in the Mornings” Right: Tanner in the Morning show cast: Chris Allen, Catherine Lane, Tanner, Captain Jim

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Calendar of Events 5/1 An Evening with Groucho featuring Frank Ferrante 8 pm, $32. The legendary Groucho Marx in this fast paced comedy packed with songs, stories & inspired audience interaction. The Don Gibson Theatre, 308 S. Washington St., Shelby 704-487-8114, www.DGShelby.com 5/1 Music Festival 10am-8pm. Adults - $5/ K-12-$3/ Under 5-Free. Food, drinks and the hottest bands in Cleveland County playing live, Hearts & Hooves silent auction, & a craft sale. T-shirts $10-$12 sponsored by Cleveland Community College Early College High School & North Shelby High School Cleveland Community College Campus, 137 S. Post Road, Shelby, 704-476-8200 www.clevelandECHS.org 5/1 Kings Mountain Gateway Trails 5 K Run, Walk & Fun Run. 8 am. Details, sponsors, registration & route information posted on the website. 704-739-4755, www.

KMGatewayTrails.org 5/1 Kingstown 2nd Annual Fun Day 8:30 am. 3 on 3 Basketball & Kickball tournaments.

2014 Kingston Road, Kingstown. 704-484-9776 5/1 Tour of Historic Homes in Kings Mountain 10 am-5 pm. $25/person. Beautifully preserved historic homes & buildings: The Williams Andrew Mauney House, First Dilling House, Sugg/Barnes, House, Dorus & Sarah Mauney House, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Patterson House, Robert Barber House, & the George Washington Cornwell House. Tickets may be purchased at Mauney Memorial Library, Kings Mountain Historical Museum, G. Deal Interiors & the Cleveland County Arts Council, Cleveland Memorial Library. 704-739-2371, www.mauneylibrary.org 5/1 WoodMill Winery’s Vineyard Blessing & Muscadine Jubilee 10 am – 6 pm. Free Admission. 10-11 am Worship Service & Vineyard Blessing. 11am-6pm Festival activities: up to 50 local vendors with hand crafted items, entertainment, music, food, & fun! WoodMill Winery. 1506 John Beam Road, Vale, NC. 704-736-7733 5/3 Gardner Webb University Orchestra in Masterworks Concert 8 pm. Dover Theatre, Gardner Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4448, www.

Gardner-WebbUniversity.edu

5/22 Over the Mountain Triathlon 8 am-1 pm. The swim takes place at Moss Lake west of Kings Mountain. The bike course starts at Moss Lake & finishes in downtown Kings Mountain. The run course takes place in downtown Kings Mountain. Moss Lake Gazebo, 704-734-0333. www.CityofKM.com 5/27-6/24 Cleveland County Artist Competition Mon. Fri. 9 am - 6pm, & first Saturday each month from 10-2. Opening reception, May 27 5:30-7:30. Free admission.

A rich & varied showcase of the talent that lies in Cleveland County is seen in this exhibit.

Local artists not only have the opportunity to display their work but also compete for awards. Cleveland County Arts Center - 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, 704-848-2787, www.ccartscouncil.org 5/28 Freeman Owle Soap Stone Carving Demonstration & Tales of the Cherokee 2-4 pm. Freeman Owle has told stories & presented programs on Cherokee history & culture throughout the Southeast for more than ten years. Join us a Phifer Cabin for a captivating stone carving demonstration & enchanting tales of the Cherokee.

Broad River Greenway,126 Broad River Drive, Boiling Springs, 704-434-2357. www.

Broadrivergreenway.com 5/29 North Carolina Sheepdog Championship Trials 8 am – dark. This cultural heritage, sporting & educational event is free to the public. Bring a lawn chair, purchase lunch from a vendor at the competition & picnic at the farm. PLEASE DO NOT BRING PETS as they distract the competitors. 1216 West Stagecoach Trail, off NC-182, Lawndale, NC 704-538-3487 6/3 Alive After Five Free Outdoor Concert Series featuring “The Fantastic Shakers” 5:30 -8:30 pm. Live music on the court square, presented by the Uptown Shelby Association & its community partners. Food & beverage vendors on site, Uptown restaurants open late for dinner. Cleveland County Court Square; 704-484-3100; UptownShelby.org 6/5 Uptown Shelby Car Show on Washington & Marion Streets on the historic court square 6/10 Uptown Movie Night “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” 7 pm. Enjoy movie night at the Don Gibson Theatre in Uptown Shelby, bring the kids & have a family night.

The movie takes place in the special events area of the Don Gibson Theatre, cost is $1 but the popcorn is free. The Don Gibson Theatre, 308 S. Washington St., Shelby; Uptown Shelby Association; 704-484-3100; UptownShelby.org 6/17 Alive After Five featuring “Chocolate Thunder” 5:30 -8:30 pm. Live music on the court square, presented by the Uptown Shelby Association & its community partners.

Food & beverage vendors on site, Uptown restaurants open late for dinner. Clevel& County Court Square; 704-484-3100; UptownShelby.org 6/18-19 Polkville Rodeo 6 pm. Polkville Baptist is, once again, planning a top notch professional rodeo sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) & presented by F-K Rodeo Company of Charlotte, NC. Mintz Arena, Directly behind Polkville Baptist Church, 4214 Polkville Road, Polkville, NC. 704-538-7464. www.PolkvilleBaptist.com/Rodeo

5/7 Chamber hosts “Between the Rivers Wine Trail” Tour $75/couple, $50/single (Discount available for Chamber Members). Limited seating is first come, first served.

Depart from Owl’s Eye Winery & Vineyard on a luxury Travel Lynx motorcoach & travel to Baker Buffalo Creek Winery & Vineyard for appetizers. A full, catered dinner will be served at WoodMill Winery & Vineyard before returning to Owl’s Eye for dessert & entertainment. Wine tastings & tours will be available at all 3 stops. Attendees will receive a complimentary souvenir wine glass along with a gift bag. Cleveland County Chamber, 200 S. Lafayette Street, Shelby, 704-487-8421, www.ClevelandChamber.org 5/7, 8, 14, & 15 Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. Presents “Funny Money” Fri-Sat 7:30 pm; Sun 3 pm $10 Adults, $8 Students & Seniors. Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, 704-730-9408, www.kmlt.org 5/8 Susan Werner & Tom Paxton at the Don Gibson Theatre 8pm, $32. The Don Gibson Theatre proudly welcomes two of the most accomplished & highly acclaimed singer/songwriters in the contemporary history of American Folk Music. The Don Gibson Theatre, 308 S. Washington St., Shelby 704-487-8114, www.DGShelby.com 5/14-15 Bar H Championship Rodeo & Country Festival This is the ultimate rodeo of the Carolinas & the Country Festival has something for everyone. Get special rates for Senior Citizen & Unemployed day on Friday. Bar H Arena Hwy 150 (look for signs) 704434-2866 www.Barhevents.com

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6/18-20, 25-27 Greater Shelby Community Theatre Presents “The Boys Next Door” Sun 2:30 pm; Fri-Sat. 7:30 pm. The Boys Next Door is a very funny yet touching play that focuses on the lives of four men with disabilities who live in a communal residence under the watchful eye of a sincere but increasingly despairing social worker. Filled with humor & mingled with scenes from the daily lives of these men.

Community College, 137 S. Post Road, Shelby, 704-4808495, www.gsct.org 6/24 Uptown Movie Night “Monsters Vs Aliens” 7 pm. Enjoy movie night at the Don Gibson Theatre in Uptown Shelby, bring the kids & have a family night. The movie takes place in the special events area of the Don Gibson Theatre, cost is $1 but the popcorn is free. The Don Gibson Theatre, 308 S. Washington St., Shelby; Uptown Shelby Association; 704-484-3100; UptownShelby.org

2001-76 East Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152 (704) 482-7882 www.TourClevelandCounty.com

Jan/Feb 2010 Foothills Spotlight 79

r e m m Su WORDS WADE NICHOLS

M

ost of us seem to have a little more energy lately. Maybe you’ve been trying to eat smart and move more as spring finally arrived. Or maybe it was just the cabin fever and need for change.

If you need a new groove or routine to keep you active and lively this summer, the foothills offer lots of options from hiking and walking to picnics, reunions and great parks all around us.

But it shouldn’t come as news when I suggest there are plenty of Uptown Shelby activities for summer fun. The summer schedule for Alive After 5 concerts and movies has something different each week from early June to the end of August. Make sure to join us as we celebrate the Association’s 30th year of work.

We start with a fun beach celebration on June 3 that features the Fantastic Shakers at Alive After 5 on historic Court Square. Get ready for a night of shag dancing to your old favorites! The entire series presents concerts on the first and third Thursdays beginning at 5:30 p.m.

On June 17, the Uptown will echo with the powerful blues and soul sounds of Chocolate Thunder, showcasing Linda Rodney from Upstate S.C. We’ve seen her video clips and she has one seriously big voice to get you moving to the music. July 1 brings in Wolf Creek from Bristol, Tenn./Va. with bluegrass and country styles for a special evening that will honor veterans in our community.

The peak of mid-summer on July 15 brings in Contagious Blues and Amissville, two North Carolina groups known for a rocking good time that proves the blues aren’t all sad tunes. On Aug. 5, Uptown is pleased to stir up the evening with a visit from famed funk/rock icons Mother’s Finest. You haven’t seen anything like it in years, so come on out and do some time travel with us.

We end the season on Aug. 19 with an appearance by Caribbean Cowboys, a talented band that plays great beach and Caribbean tunes. They were such a

fun group of folks last year that we’re pleased to welcome them back to keep everyone bouncing and dancing through summer’s end.

Fans of our Wachovia Uptown Movies series will appreciate that we are moving from the parking lot outdoors to the reception room adjoining the Don Gibson Theatre. Enjoy the comfort of carpet and air conditioning. And you can bring a lawn chair like always. Admission will be $1 per person, but popcorn will be free and plentiful.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs starts the series on Thursday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m., but there’s no chance of rain cancellations this year! Two weeks later on June 24 is the fun animation Monsters vs. Aliens, and July 8 is the classic Pink Panther. We’re giving moviegoers something for every possible age range.

Check the Web site or Facebook pages for Uptown Shelby Association to find more great information.

And don’t forget the Foothills Farmers Market on Court Square Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8 to Noon. This year the market will also be at the Health Department on Tuesday mornings and it’s testing a Friday afternoon market from 2-6 p.m. on Court Square.

If you need a cure for the summertime blues, just get yourself to Uptown Shelby at least once or twice a week this year. Have a safe and fun summer.

80 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

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this is a rain or shine event

Music Festival

Saturday, september 4, 2010 • 10am-10pm

bring chairs and shade and spend the day!

bluegrass & acoustic

Her dream while in school was to work for IBM, and things looked promising as Myra Johnson reached final interviews for a position. An economic downturn at that time ended that dream. That little skip along the way, however, led her down...

An unexpected path 82 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 10

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M

WORDS Gilda Pruitt

M

yra Johnson was the fourth of five daughters born to Bill and Ramona Bridges of Cleveland County. She, by her own admission, was the most rebellious daughter. But from that family unit and also from her grandmother, Mrs. Inez Bridges, she learned a work ethic and gained life experiences that ultimately led her to the presidency of Isothermal Community College in 2007.

After graduating from Crest High School, Myra attended Western Carolina University (WCU). It was here that she met and married her husband, William (Bill) Johnson, while still a student. Her marriage helped her to become more serious about her education.

Myra also began to appreciate more of what her teachers taught her. One in particular, Frances Kiser, had a big influence. Myra says that her effective writing was the result of her accelerated English class with her and she notes she has made Ms. Kiser aware of this fact.

Her dream while in school was to work for IBM and things looked promising as she reached final interviews for a position. An economic downturn at that time ended that dream. That little skip along the way, however, led her to obtaining her MBA, after which she joined the staff at Craven Community College in New Bern, N.C. RS Central High School called husband Bill back to Rutherford County to teach and Myra accepted a part-time job at Isothermal Community College (ICC) in nearby Spindale in 1983. Later, she joined the faculty and continued to gain credentials that would serve her well in the community college system, including a PhD in education. Although she had said she would never teach, she found she loved it.

She moved up the ladder at ICC and held two different vice-presidential positions. During her early years she had worked at Lily Mill, at two department stores and at a part-time secretarial position in graduate school. She credits this diverse working background, along with her two degrees from WCU and two from Appalachian State University (including her educational doctorate) in leading her to the office of the president at Isothermal Community College in July of 2007.

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Myra talks passionately about the goals of ICC noting that, “Our role is to provide hope to our students and that may not be helping find them a job or helping them graduate, but to help them recapture their self-worth and the value they bring to our community. Their value is not tied up in employment—they still have self-worth. Our role is to help them develop and find in themselves hope and at the same time to give the skills to find employment.

Anyone who comes can learn; it is our challenge to take them where they can go.

“As a system and state we have huge challenges in the budget,” she says. “We are at our highest level of enrollment and we continue to grow, yet the budget has been reduced. We must balance how we are going to survive. The faculty has realized that we have students who need us. We must look at alternative delivery modes while maintaining integrity in our classes.”

Myra says, “Students are different than in the past.

They are more inquisitive, have technical skills and are demanding more. On the other side, they are having more difficulty being attentive. Formerly, they had an attention span of 10 minutes, now it is about five seconds. There is also a feeling of entitlement that we have helped create. There are more personal challenges for students today, especially financial.

The family unit is not recognized as it once was.”

Myra continues, “Our vision is to maintain and move forward in protecting the safety of students and faculty. We don’t want ICC to be in the headlines, we want to minimize any potential for that. We have two deputies on campus, under the direction of the vice-president of administrative services. We have a Student Threat Assessment Team, looking for any recognized behavior that could be a threat to themselves, to counselors, administration or resource officers. We have student counselors.”

For children and students, Myra has some basic advice. “You can do anything you set your mind to, if you take responsibility for your actions, regardless.

Set goals high and when someone tells you it cannot be done, don’t take that as the final answer.

(I don’t mean to go break the law—but it may need changing and you might be the one who could make that change.)”

In a reflective mode, Myra adds, “When I leave Isothermal Community College, within six months time, nobody will remember that I was there. But you must know in your mind that you’ve made a difference. Work hard, take care of yourself; mental and physical health are both important. Value those around you—family, friends and co-workers. Make sure your priorities are in order.”

May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 83

36 F o o t hills S p o t l i g h t J a n / F e b 2 0 1 0

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Advertiser’s Index 243 South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Allen Tate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Alpha Printing and Mailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 American Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Bayada Nurses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Bellus Tu Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Berry Business Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Between The Rivers Wine Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Bootstrap Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bradley’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Bulldog Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Bulldog Quik Snak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Carolina Chiropractic Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 CaroMont Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Champion Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47, 49 Choloe's Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 City of Shelby / City Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Cleveland Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Cleveland Headline News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Cleveland Health Care System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Cleveland Lumber Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Cleveland Women's Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Cornerstone Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 CPTArx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Drug Force Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Flaunt Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Foothills ASU Alumni Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Fox Distributing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Fresh Hair Concepts and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Gardner Webb University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Got You Covered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Gragg and Gragg, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 62 Hendrick's Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Higher Learning Childcare Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Holly's Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Home Builders Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67-70 Hospice of Cleveland County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 23 Integrity Bookkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 It's All in the Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Jolley Electric of Shelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Keeter Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Kitchen and Bath Design of Shelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Laughlin Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Little Debbie To The Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Lora Gold NC Farm Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Mary Kay /Lucille Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Max D Jones and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Norris Merchandise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Owl's Eye Vineyard & Winery, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 24 Papa's Pizza To Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Peter Potemkin /Prudential Carolinas Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Phyllis' Cakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Real to Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Red Bone Willy's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Salon 206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Scissor Smith and Co. Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Settle Heating and Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53, 61, 87 Shelby Eye Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 61 Shelby Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Shelby Savings Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Shelby Surgical Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Smoke on the Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Southeastern Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Sterling House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Stevo's Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Summit Place of Kings Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Tanner Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Teddy and Meekins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Two Doors Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Uptown Shelby Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Victorian Rose Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Victorian Rose Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Walker Carpet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Walker Woodworking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Walter Norville Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 WGWG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 YMCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 17 Young & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

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May/June 2010 Foothills Spotlight 85

reflections

{from the well}

WORDS REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION

Shame: A Controlling Emotion When I was 10 or 11 years old, I visited my aunt one relationship to another is exhaustingly useless for several days. I can’t imagine what was said to and poisons the development of something new in me to convince me to travel all the way to Charlotte our lives. without my parents. From the first moments Since my childhood experience of “shame,” I there, I was uncomfortable and homesick. The have known legitimate shame: shame from poor maids showed me to my room and unpacked my decisions that hurt me and others, the shame clothes. Immediately my aunt redressed me and off of letting down the ones I love most. I have also experienced shame from situations where I was not to the country club we went for lunch.

Are you kidding me? My idea of lunch out was at fault. a peanut butter and jelly sandwich eaten across To live with shame limits life’s potential. When the railroad tracks in our “club house.” The next we focus on shame, we fail to counterbalance few days with my aunt’s family revealed more of cause and effect or we fail to value intent versus the same. My cousins came and went with various bad luck, Focusing on shame perpetuates shame activities, always leaving me to fend for myself. until we can never be happy. Focusing on shame Toward the end of the visit something happened convinces us that shame is necessary as some sort that I didn’t understand. My aunt came to me, of self-discipline. Untrue. But such is the temptation pointed her finger very close to my face and with to wallow in the shame pool. harsh words said, “You should be ashamed of So how are we delivered from shame? If you are yourself.” Defenseless and too cowered to question fortunate, you allow yourself to be surrounded by her, I just stood there, scared and confused in the people who provide acceptance and safety for the face of this great condemnation. I felt as though person you are. You learn to listen to the good, I had done something terrible or disrespectful or but more importantly you learn to listen to critiques hurtful. To this very day the word “shame” makes from those whom you trust. This is called selfmy hair stand on end and I am no more aware awareness: knowing how your words and actions today of my indiscretion as I was those many years affect those around you. The more you discover about yourself, the more you’ll understand your ago.

Shame is perhaps the most debilitating emotion shame as well as other emotions. Reflective talking we experience. Close relatives to shame are and listening is a miracle drug. Find someone who humiliation, low self worth, a sense of failure, and will listen to your pain. the feeling of letting yourself and others down. The ultimate example of shame is found in the Shame can fill your life with such pain and sadness biblical story of Judas, when he sold Jesus out that it is almost impossible to experience joy and for some change. He was so humiliated by his peace. It is a controlling emotion and can linger for behavior that he quickly went out and hanged himself. years or a lifetime.

Shame is often associated with the big secrets I close with a quote from poet, author and of incest and sexual abuse. Yet there are many activist Maya Angelou, “I can be changed by what other events in our lives that can trigger shame. happens to me, I refuse to be reduced by it.”

Shame is part of our emotional circle. It can keep Peace to you. us in check with our true selves and check arrogant pride. To carry our shame from one situation and

86 F o o t hil l s S p o t l i g h t Ma y / J u n e 2 0 1 0

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To this very day the word shame makes my hair stand on end

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